The University of Cape Town is part of the Cape Consortium of Higher Education (CHEC). One of the aims of the Consortium is to promote the role of higher education in regional development through mutually beneficial partnerships between the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government. Jointly identified focus areas are identified periodically to inform the focus of the partnerships. The UCT Social Responsiveness Unit is represented on joint task teams and helps to broker linkages and networks as activities unfold.

CHEC also facilitates the involvement of the four universities in the Western Cape in other activities such as the provision of courses, engagement with the TVET colleges , organising international conferences, and participation in a range of workshops.