Each society is run by students and any student may be a member. Societies hold a number of events every year including an Annual General Meeting (AGM) where the new leadership is elected for the coming year.

Each society is funded partially by the university and partially by subscription fees charged by the societies.

The societies allow students to enjoy activities at the university that are not normally part of the academic curricula. Societies allow students to enjoy being part of a community on campus that is stimulating and opens up new challenges and opportunities.

Academic

These societies are organisations whose primary aim is either to enhance the learning and understanding of students at UCT or to bring students in contact with the leaders in their field of studies. Many of these societies hold seminars on various topics and bring industry leaders to UCT while others concentrate on community development programmes.

Dayhouse

Faith

This constitutes one of the largest sectors, representing almost all major religious beliefs, doctrines and denominations. Many of these societies have ties with local religious structures. Although UCT is a secular campus, it makes the attempt to accommodate everyone and allow them to exercise their beliefs freely without interfering with the academic programme and other faiths.

National/cultural

These societies largely represent national and cultural interests. However, membership is not drawn exclusively from the relevant countries. These societies mainly aim to broaden students exposure to the cultural dynamism of UCT.

Political

These organisations represent a group of national and international political organisations. Their activities include attending national gatherings, and inviting politicians and scholars to speak at meetings.

Special interest

This group of societies represent a broad range of groups from special interest and civil society groups to social and wellness groups. These societies open up huge opportunities to experience and enjoy new activities at UCT.

How to join a society at UCT

Students can become members of societies throughout the academic year. During the annual O-week, student organsations showcase themselves – either on the Plaza or on the Green Mile (depending on the arrangements made in a given year). Here students can sign-up with the societies that interest them and they can either have the subscription fees charged to their student accounts or pay cash to the cashiers in the Steve Biko Students’ Union.

If students miss the O-week sign up period they can visit the Societies Helpdesk on Level 5, Steve Biko Students’ Union or contact Societies to sign up with a society or get more information. Students may join societies throughout the year and may pay through their fee accounts until 30 April or alternatively can pay cash at the Student Treasury on Level 5, Steve Biko Students’ Union.