Commemorating Africa Month and other updates
27 May 2020 | Campus AnnouncementDear colleagues and students
This campus announcement aims to inform the UCT community about recent updates on campus.
1. Africa Month webinars
In commemorating Africa Month, the African Union’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), in collaboration with UCT Convocation and the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance is hosting a three-day Africa Month public symposium under the theme “Africa’s innovations in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic”.
The symposium got underway on Wednesday, 27 May. Two webinar sessions – “Knowledge systems and knowledge production on the continent” and “Why has Africa been less impacted by COVID 19?” were scheduled for the opening day.
On Thursday, 28 May, the webinar at 11:00 will focus on “Unpacking the climate change and development nexus in Africa: Moving beyond obligations to opportunities”. The last two webinars will take place on Friday, 29 May at 11:00 and 14:00, discussing “Pan-African reflections on leadership and good governance during COVID-19: Good practice, challenges and opportunities” and “COVID-19 philanthropy on the continent: Best practice examples in Africa” respectively.
2. A salute to all UCT colleagues on the frontlines
On behalf of the UCT community, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng expressed gratitude and solidarity to all UCT staff members working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. She acknowledged those whose work is behind the scenes. Staff from Properties and Services Department continue to ensure that everyone has a clean, well-maintained, secure campus to return to. Colleagues in Campus Protection Services continue to patrol buildings and watch over various campuses. Some Information and Communication Technology Services workers also come on site to do essential work. UCT experts in relevant disciplines such as public health are working long hours with government to develop effective strategies for the province and the nation. Researchers, their students and staff are investigating the virus and seeking ways to fight it.
3. Urgent ICTS maintenance
On Sunday 31 May 2020, Information and Communication Technology Services (ICTS) will conduct important maintenance work in the Upper Campus and Bremner data centres. The work, which will help to boost UCT’s network security, will proceed from 09:00 until 17:00. Unless advised to the contrary, do not expect any ICT services to be available for the duration of the maintenance.
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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.