UCT Chemical Engineering marked its 100th anniversary in 2020, with the first explicit curriculum for Chemical Engineering appearing in UCT’s Engineering Faculty prospectus in 1920. The department's existence spans a century of massive transition in South Africa and in the profession. We began during an era when political and social ideology denied access to tertiary education for the majority of its population. Today we find ourselves in a country with a multicultural democracy that competes in the global economy. In celebration of this milestone, we have produced a centenary publication that captures our remarkable story for posterity.

2020 | A CENTURY OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AT UCT

(ISBN 978-0-620-90479-7)

The book was compiled and edited by Jim Petrie and Jenni Case, who collectively have close to 70 years of association with the department and will be familiar names to many of our alumni. 

We sincerely thank everyone who contributed memories, photographs, written pieces and their time towards the creation of this record. Without your participation there would be no story to tell. Thank you too to all the donors who enabled this vision to become a reality.

Please see the book on the OpenUCT page here: 2020 | A CENTURY OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AT UCT

Those who wish to obtain a hard copy from the department can make a minimum donation of R500 to defray the expenses.
Donations can be made to:

Bank: Standard Bank
Account holder: University of Cape Town
Branch code: 02-50-09
Account number: 071503854 (no1 Bank account)
Swift No.: SBZAZAJJ

For the payment reference, please put “CHE BOOK” followed by your surname (e.g. “CHE BOOK Pillay”).

Send a copy of your proof of payment and your postal address to Sarojini Pillay (sarojini.pillay@uct.ac.za) so that we can organise for the book to be sent to you.

The Centenary Celebration

The Department held its Centenary Celebration and Book Launch event at the UCT GSB Conference Centre on 8 December 2020. A recording of the occasion is available here for you to enjoy.