Coronavirus support from Canada
17 March 2020 | Story Staff writer. Photo Lerato Maduna. Read time 2 min.
In light of the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent suspension of classes, the Daniel Samuel Maseko Memorial Scholarship has donated funds to students from the University of Cape Town (UCT) who are in financial need in order for these students to make their way back home.
Dudley Maseko, on behalf of the Daniel Samuel Maseko Memorial Scholarship, has donated US$6 000 (approximately R100 000) to UCT to be distributed among 24 students from the Southern African Development Community countries of Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe who are most desperate for financial assistance to get back home.
This funding is open to UCT students from any faculty.
Students in need should urgently contact UCT’s Financial Aid Office with proof of their financial situation and proof of transportation costs.
“I wish all the students safe travels back home to be with their families, and [wish for them to] stay safe during the coronavirus outbreak,” Maseko said.
Measures put in place
A number of measures have already been put in place by the university to support students as they vacate the residences.
Undergraduates and postgraduates on financial aid – including NSFAS funded-students – received their allowances on 16 March. This will assist any students who may be facing financial challenges with arranging transport.
UCT is also working with external agencies on possible travel solutions for students where there is a need. This may entail students being assisted with travel arrangements, or group travel being organised for departures from campus.
The university is further working with the government through the Department of Home Affairs to assist international students who have to travel home.
UCT has at this stage had only one confirmed positive COVID-19 case. The number of people that the staff member had contact with on campus is estimated at 30 or fewer. The staff member and all the UCT contacts who have been traced will remain in self isolation for 14 days. The process is being managed by the Western Cape Department of Health.
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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.