UCT Chemistry Department Celebrates Africa Month Through Food, Culture and Conversation

05 Jun 2026 | By Laa-iqa Rylands
Attendees work together on a map-of-Africa puzzle during the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
05 Jun 2026 | By Laa-iqa Rylands

The UCT Chemistry Department recently celebrated Africa Month with a vibrant gathering that brought together staff and postgraduate students to share food, culture and community.


The event featured an impressive spread of African-inspired dishes and treats from across the continent. Attendees enjoyed familiar favourites such as vetkoek, koesisters, samp and beans soup, malva pudding and peppermint crisp pudding, while also sampling new flavours including cassava, Mopane worms and Sabli cookies. The diverse menu sparked conversations about culinary traditions, cultural heritage and the rich diversity that makes Africa unique.


The celebration was organised by the Department's Transformation and Marketing Committee and provided a welcoming space for colleagues and students to connect beyond the laboratory and classroom. In addition to sharing food and conversation, students enjoyed working together to assemble a map-of-Africa puzzle, encouraging discussion about the continent's geography, diversity and interconnectedness. The activity added a fun and interactive element to the celebration and reinforced the spirit of learning and collaboration.


Chair of the Transformation and Marketing Committee, Dr Cesarina Edmonds-Smith, reflected on the spirit of the occasion by sharing a quote from South African anti-apartheid leader and Pan-Africanist, Robert Sobukwe: "Here is a tree rooted in African soil, nourished with waters from the rivers of Afrika. Come and sit under its shade and become, with us, the leaves of the same branch and the branches of the same tree." The quote served as a reminder of the values of unity, respect, belonging and Ubuntu that continue to guide our shared journey as Africans.


The Africa Month celebration highlighted the department's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, cultures are shared and meaningful connections are built through community.

A table displays African-inspired dishes and treats for the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
Green puzzle pieces form a map of Africa on a table during the Africa Month Tea activity.
Attendees gather near the food table during the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
Two attendees smile with plates of food during the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
Attendees gather around a buffet table with African-inspired dishes during the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
Cassava and roasted nuts are displayed with an information card at the Africa Month Tea.
Three attendees sit together with plates of food during the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
Two attendees pose together in cultural dress at the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
A group gathers around a table to assemble a map-of-Africa puzzle at the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
A group of attendees stands together with plates of food during the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
Guests serve food from a table of African-inspired dishes at the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
Attendees work together on a map-of-Africa puzzle during the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
Mopane worms are displayed with an information card as part of the Africa Month Tea food selection.
Postgraduate Students at Africa Month Tea
A plate of Sabli cookies is displayed with an information card at the Africa Month Tea.
Staff members sit with plates of food during the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
Four attendees stand together with plates of food during the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
Three students enjoy food together during the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
Two attendees stand with tea and treats during the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.
A speaker addresses attendees beside a table of African-inspired dishes at the UCT Chemistry Africa Month Tea.