Monday, 16 March
16 March 202017:15
Vice-Chancellor Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng has written to parents and supporters of UCT students.
Read the VC’s letter to parents
16:00
Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on Sunday evening, and on the advice of a range of agencies and health specialists, the University of Cape Town (UCT) executive and the Leadership Lekgotla decided to break immediately for UCT’s Term 1 vacation.
Physical classes have been suspended from Monday, 16 March, and students in residences have been given 72 hours to vacate their accommodation. While postgraduate students have been advised to continue working with their supervisors, undergraduate teaching and learning will largely be moved online. Details on this will follow in the week ahead.
While off-site work has been encouraged, essential services will continue on campus.
All non-essential gatherings must be minimised, cancelled or postponed until the end of June 2020. The chancellor’s installation scheduled for Monday, 16 March, has been postponed, and the March graduation ceremonies, due to start on Thursday, 19 March, have been suspended. The Registrar’s Office will send details to graduands about how they can receive their graduation certificates.
UCT’s first case of COVID-19 was confirmed yesterday. The staff member is in isolation at home. Please note that it is critical that we refrain as a community from stigmatising individuals that are affected. In addition, please do not spread rumours or unconfirmed information.
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UCT’s response to COVID-19 in 2021
COVID-19 is a global pandemic that caused President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a national disaster in South Africa on 15 March 2020 and to implement a national lockdown from 26 March 2020.
UCT is taking the threat of infection in our university community extremely seriously, and this page will be updated regularly with the latest COVID-19 information. Please note that the information on this page is subject to change depending on current lockdown regulations.
Commemorating a year of COVID-19
At midnight on 26 March 2020, South African went into the first nationwide hard lockdown. A year later, we remember those who have died and those who have been affected by COVID-19, as well as the pandemic’s effects across society and campus. We are especially grateful for the front-line health workers who have done so much for so many.
Frequently asked questions
In an email to the UCT community, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng said:
“COVID-19, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, is a rapidly changing epidemic. [...] Information [...] will be updated as and when new information becomes available.”
We are continuing to monitor the situation and we will be updating the UCT community regularly – as and when there are further updates. If you are concerned or need more information, students can contact the Student Wellness Service on 021 650 5620 or 021 650 1271 (after hours), while staff can contact 021 650 5685.