Chancellor of the University of Cape Town

The Chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT) is the ceremonial head of the university, representing it in the public sphere and conferring degrees in its name. The Chancellorship is a titular position; the chief executive of the university is the Vice-Chancellor. The current Chancellor, the fifth since UCT was elevated to university status in 1918, is Graça Machel, the wife of South African ex-President Nelson Mandela. If there are multiple nominations the Chancellor is chosen by an electoral college representing staff, students and graduates. Formerly Chancellors were appointed for life, but since 1999 they are appointed for a renewable ten-year term. The current incumbent is already serving her second term unopposed.