The article “YES – Poster’s just more of the ‘Irish coffee’ effect”, (The Star, January 25) refers.

Gugu Ndima, of the Gauteng ANC caucus, concludes her article – which really speaks to the issue of the DA poster – with a last paragraph that includes a statement about UCT that is unfounded: “Daso should start by transforming the University of Cape Town and other elitist institutions of higher learning (that) continue to abruptly close doors to black students seeking access to higher education.”

A critically important strategic goal for UCT has been the transformation of the university towards non-racialism – redress, diversity, inclusiveness and the recognition of African voices.

We have had many successes and simultaneously recognise that the challenge is complex and ongoing.

The university seeks to ensure that every deserving student gets a fair chance of gaining entry into the institution.

Each year, the university allocates a substantial amount of our own funds to ensure that our doors aren’t “closed” to any students on financial grounds.

For example, in 2011 the university allocated more than R98 million of its own funds to ensure that we assist financially needy students.

UCT’s admissions policy acknowledges that the inequalities created by apartheid have had a crippling effect, particularly on black students. Our admissions policy makes concession for this historical unfairness and has transformation at its very heart. The policy is a reflection of how we continue to open our doors.

UCT strives to ensure that exceptional students from all walks of life have a chance to earn a degree and build a better life.

While there will always be a limit to the number of students we can take in any given year, we believe the growing diversity of our community is a reflection of the success of our transformation efforts.

Gerda Kruger

Executive Director: Communications & Marketing Department at UCT