Dear Staff and Student Colleagues

Within the Faculty of Health Sciences, donor partnerships play a vital role in reinforcing specialist expertise, nurturing emerging scholars, and amplifying impact at the intersection of research, teaching, and clinical practice. Such partnerships enhance the Faculty’s capacity to generate evidence-based solutions to pressing health challenges, while cultivating graduates who are not only technically skilled but grounded in a values framework shaped by social justice, equity, and ethical responsibility.  

Among the Faculty’s collaborators is the Mauerberger Foundation Fund (MFF). The Foundation’s longstanding engagement with the University of Cape Town reflects a model of principled generosity, enriched by a global outlook rooted in justice, care, and human dignity.

The Mauerberger Foundation Fund was established in 1936 by Morris Mauerberger and is currently chaired by his granddaughter, Ms Dianna Yach. A proud UCT alumna, Council member, and respected human rights advocate, Ms Yach has maintained a deep and enduring connection to the University. Her commitment to equality, ethical leadership, and social justice in higher education and broader society is reflected not only in the Foundation’s strategic philanthropy but also in her personal engagement with the Faculty. Through her presence at Faculty events and her thoughtful availability for consultation and advice, Ms Yach has cultivated a relationship characterised by trust, mutual regard, and shared purpose.

During the tenure of the late Professor Bongani Mayosi, the Faculty benefited from a significant grant awarded by the MFF to support the advancement of its transformation agenda. This funding strengthened both systemic transformation initiatives and the mechanisms used to monitor and assess progress, contributing to a more intentional and accountable approach to institutional change. These contributions stand as a testament to the personal and principled connection between the Faculty and Ms Yach, as well as to the Foundation’s enduring alignment with the Faculty’s mission.

Beyond this, the Foundation’s broader contributions continue to reflect a spirit of solidarity that resonates deeply with the African philosophy of Ubuntu—affirming a shared belief that responsibility to humanity transcends borders. In 2021, the Mauerberger Foundation Fund donated resources to expand UCT’s Alumni in Action programme, thereby enhancing counselling and support services for student survivors of gender-based violence. This intervention underscored the Foundation’s responsiveness to urgent societal needs and its commitment to student wellbeing, dignity, and safety.

These investments are far more than financial contributions; they represent partnerships in purpose. They enable the University of Cape Town to pursue cutting-edge research, foster inclusive and transformative learning environments, and respond to complex societal challenges with courage, compassion, and creativity.

Over the coming months, we will acknowledge donors whose contributions embody these values. We also recognise that members of the Faculty may have longstanding or meaningful donor relationships they wish to celebrate.

Should you wish to nominate such contributions for acknowledgement, please share the details with us by sending an email to: fhs-valuingourstories@uct.ac.za

As we celebrate these collaborations, we reaffirm our profound gratitude to the Mauerberger Foundation Fund and to all our donors for their commitment and generosity. Through these partnerships, lives are transformed, academic excellence is sustained, and a global community dedicated to equity, justice, and human flourishing is strengthened.

Kaise ge gangans

Professor Lionel Green-Thompson
Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences