News

Meet the 2026 KJB Leadership Scholars

Congratulations to the 14 students awarded the 2026 Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship for their academic excellence and leadership potential.

The top living contributor worldwide in the development of the finite element method

Professor Klaus-Jürgen Bathe is ranked as one of the top three researchers over their lifetime in the field of finite element methods worldwide.

Forging a dynamic community of leaders

Professor Klaus-Jürgen Bathe hosted the annual Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Induction Dinner to welcome the incoming scholars and reconnect with alumni and UCT staff.

MIT professor funds future leaders at UCT

MIT Professor Klaus-Jürgen Bathe fell in love with South Africa while studying at UCT for his BSc in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics in the 1960s. He graduated as a gold medalist in 1967.

Meet the 2025 KJB Leadership scholars

Congratulations to the seven students who were selected to receive the 2025 Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship for their outstanding academic achievements and demonstrated leadership potential.

Celebrating Leadership with Pride Maunatlala

On 23 February 2023, the Klaus-Jurgen Bathe (KJB) Leadership Programme held its annual dinner under the theme “Celebrating Leadership”, addressed by special guest speaker Pride Maunatlala.

KJB Announces 10 new scholars for 2022/2023

The KJB Leadership Programme is proud to announce the selection of 10 new KJB scholars for 2022/2023.

KJB Scholar, Peace Francis wins Mayosi Award

University of Cape Town (UCT) alumnus Dr Peace Francis (25) has won the 2020 Bongani Mayosi Medical Students Academic Prize.

KJB Year-end Lunch

On 12 November 2022, KJB Leadership Scholars gathered at the Simon’s Restaurant in Constantia to attend a luncheon hosted by the Programme Director.

“With good leadership, the dream of prosperity and peace for everyone will be realised.

Professor Klaus-Jürgen Bathe

KJB invited to attend consultation on UCT Leadership Academy

The establishment of a UCT Leadership Academy is a direct response to Vision 2030 of the University of Cape Town (UCT).

“As a region, we face many challenges, but there is also the possibility of a bright future for all, if only we can harness the opportunities.”

Professor Alphose Zingoni

Nurturing Africa's Future Leaders - a historical overview of KJB Programme

The birth of a vision. It all began in 2013 when Klaus- Jürgen Bathe, world-renowned mechanical engineering professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), was visiting Cape Town.

Sarah Nzeka exemplifies the spirit of not giving up

University of Cape Town (UCT) student Sarah Nzeka will graduate with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemical Engineering on 29 March 2022 after registering at UCT for the first time in 2012. The journey to graduation day has not been easy.