The case for support
South Africa pioneered proton therapy in Africa. Now UCT is bringing it home, for the children (and adults) who should not have to wait any longer.
A regional centre of excellence in Cape Town, built for the next fifty years. Help us close the last R500m to make this a reality.
Every child treated deserves a full life afterward.
A legacy to build on
"South Africa once pioneered proton therapy in Africa. Now UCT is bringing it back."
This is not a moon-shot, it builds on real heritage. For years South Africa was home to the only proton therapy facility in the Southern Hemisphere. As the technology matured into dedicated clinical centres around the world, that early programme was not carried forward here, but the expertise never left. UCT together with partners across the country is working to bring a modern centre home. Today, still, no facility in the country or in sub-Saharan Africa can offer this treatment, and the children (and adults) who need it should not have to wait any longer.
The stakes
For children, the gap is hardest to bear
Proton therapy spares healthy tissue far more precisely than conventional X-ray treatment, which matters most for a child who, if cured, may live many decades after treatment.
Growth abnormalities
Radiation to developing bone and tissue can permanently alter a child's growth.
Neurocognitive impairment
Damage to healthy brain tissue can affect learning and development for life.
Endocrine dysfunction
Hormonal systems disrupted by radiation exposure in childhood.
Secondary cancers
A second, radiation-induced cancer, sometimes decades after the first was cured.
Every child treated with proton therapy instead of conventional radiation is a child with a better chance at a full, healthy life afterward.
The proof
This isn't a leap of faith
UCT together with the Western Cape Government: Health & Wellness already has the clinical teams, the legacy expertise, and national government backing to deliver this.
Legacy expertise
The decades of NRF proton therapy experience and technical know-how at iThemba LABS.
Clinical depth
Internationally recognised teams in paediatric oncology, neuro-oncology and medical physics.
Governance strength
A strong provincial health governance environment able to sustain the facility.
National backing
Sponsored by DHET and recognised widely as a project of national strategic significance.
The ask · Founding Partners
50 founding partners. R10m each. One last R500m.
We have applied to the National Treasury for R2.2 billion toward the cost, and we are inviting founding partners to help raise the remaining R500 million. We are inviting 50 founding partners to close the final gap, and to have their name permanently placed on the Hall of Fame board at the heart of the facility.
Gifts to UCT qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate. To make giving simple and tax-effective, UCT has established charitable trusts in Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA. Major gifts are handled personally, we'll connect you directly with our team.
Impact
What your gift changes
Health equity
Access to a treatment proven to reduce lifelong disability and secondary cancers, unavailable anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa.
Clinical
A public cost-recovery model with referral through provincial health budgets.
Regional leadership
Positions Cape Town as a referral centre for Southern Africa.
Human capital
Protects caregiver livelihoods and creates skilled jobs, training and research.
The Hall of Fame