Transformation, inclusion and diversity in times of crisis and emergency

21 May 2020 | Story Supplied. Photo Pexels. Read time 1 min.
The joint special session of the UCT TF and USRC will be held on Friday, 22 May.
The joint special session of the UCT TF and USRC will be held on Friday, 22 May.

A joint special session of the University of Cape Town (UCT) Transformation Forum and University Social Responsiveness Committee will be held on Friday, 22 May, from 14:00 to 16:00, in response to COVID-19.

The quick spread of COVID-19 in South Africa and the subsequent lockdown has led to sweeping shifts in higher education, in city spaces and in our homes, and since the start of the lockdown, there have been dire consequences for already vulnerable and marginalised persons.

The aim of the special session is to:

  • Create a platform for discussion on how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting the university community and how we can collectively respond to this moment.
  • Create a space to hear insights from activists and allies from the COVID-19 People’s Movement and the United Nations (gender and protection specialists) on how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting people, communities and South Africa as a whole. This section will reflect on COVID-19 in relation to race, class, gender and access to basic resources, namely water, food, shelter and safety.

The session is open to everyone from the university community.

Please RSVP to Cheryl Vallay.


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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.