The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT) is the executive head also referred to as the principal. The VC has the overall responsibility for the policy and administration of the University. The current Vice-Chancellor, the tenth since UCT was elevated to university status in 1918 is Mamokgethi Phakeng.
List of vice-chancellors
1918-1938: Sir John Carruthers Beattie
1938-1947: AW Falconer
1948-1955: TB Davie
1956-1957: Reginald W. James, in an acting capacity
1958-1967: Jacobus Duminy
1968-1980: Sir Richard Luyt
1981-1996: Stuart J Saunders
1996-2000: Mamphela Ramphele
2000-2008: Njabulo Ndebele
2008-2018: Max Price
2018-2023: Mamokgethi Phakeng - placed on special leave and then early retirement