31 January 2026

MEETING POINT The sliding gate at the Newlands Forest Fire Station parking area at 8.30 am.
This is an indigenous tree identification course in Newlands Forest. After stopping at some trees on the way to the stone bridge, we will look at trees a little higher up in the more pristine indigenous forest and come down by way of the Littlewort trail. When identifying individual trees, the presenter will point out what features are relevant to the identification process. Explanations of the meanings of the common names of trees will also be given, and sometimes the botanical names, where these highlight characteristic features of the tree.

This lecture provides an overview of how the traditional and centralised financial system works. It then looks at advances in technology that have given rise to blockchain technology, and how blockchain powers a new financial system that is decentralised, underpinned by code and secured by cryptography. This is followed by a look at Bitcoin and crypto markets and concludes with an overview of the cryptocurrency ecosystem (e.g. cryptocurrency exchanges) and the unfolding regulatory landscape.

This lecture is a thought-provoking exploration of how demographic shifts could unravel the fabric of modern civilisation. It discusses the social and economic implications. It will also look at the actions taken by some governments and how effective these actions have been.

Shamil Ismail argues that the real threat lies not just in fewer people, but in the fast-shrinking pool of essential workers. As these roles become harder to fill in developed countries, the consequences could be catastrophic: crumbling cities, disrupted supply chains and economic stagnation.

MEETING POINT Main entrance to the Faculty of Health Sciences, Anzio Road, Observatory

This excursion to UCT’s Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) will begin with an illustrated talk that traces the drug discovery and development pipeline from molecular optimisation to biological testing and ultimately (if successful) to patient care. It will be followed by a tour of the cutting-edge laboratories that contribute directly to addressing the important health challenges of our time.

MEETING POINT The Cape Town Honey Company, Oude Raapkraal, Westlake Avenue, Lakeside

Experience the captivating world of bees during the peak of the summer ‘honey flow’ in this exclusive api-tourism excursion. Participants will don full beekeeping gear and venture into the heart of a working apiary where they will observe the remarkable Cape honey bee (Apis mellifera capensis) in action. Guided by expert beekeepers, participants will explore the inner workings of a hive, from honeycomb construction to hunting the queen bee. This immersive encounter will be followed by a tutored honey tasting.

MEETING POINT The Cape Town Honey Company, Oude Raapkraal, Westlake Avenue, Lakeside

Experience the captivating world of bees during the peak of the summer ‘honey flow’ in this exclusive api-tourism excursion. Participants will don full beekeeping gear and venture into the heart of a working apiary where they will observe the remarkable Cape honey bee (Apis mellifera capensis) in action. Guided by expert beekeepers, participants will explore the inner workings of a hive, from honeycomb construction to hunting the queen bee. This immersive encounter will be followed by a tutored honey tasting.