Wednesday, 18 March

18 March 2020

16:00

Professor Sue Harrison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation, writes to the UCT community about research support offices and library services, recommendations for human research studies and research sites, postgraduate research and conference travel funding.

Read the DVC’s Desk.

15:20

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Council held its first meeting of the year on Saturday, 14 March 2020. A number of items were discussed, and some key decisions were taken. Council acknowledged the seriousness of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and noted the precautionary measures put in place by the UCT executive.

Read the Chair’s Desk.

12:20

The latest information about the University of Cape Town’ (UCT) response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now available in a VC Desk. Information includes details about:

  • The one confirmed case of COVID-19 at UCT and its management
  • Security, cleaning and gardening services
  • An equitable approach to human resources management at UCT during this period
  • Teaching and learning: going online
  • Remote teaching guide and webinars for lecturers and academic support staff
  • Issuing graduation certificates to the March 2020 qualifiers
  • Supporting students as classes are suspended and residences are closing
  • International students
  • Postgraduate studies
  • Research activities
  • Sport facilities
  • Jammie Shuttle
  • UCT Libraries
  • Temporary closures across campus
  • The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
  • The UCT web page on COVID-19, and other important contacts
  • Please note the following important telephone numbers
  • Important must-read information

The announcement also contains useful information about working remotely, as well as links to the UCT remote working toolkit.

Read the VC Desk.

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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.