Unleashing a new global university and other updates

Dear students and colleagues

This campus announcement aims to inform the UCT community about recent developments on campus.

1. Unleashing a new global university

UCT hosted the first in its series of digital events aimed at reimagining the new global university on Monday, 29 June. Challenging international thought leaders on the globalisation of higher education, the first conversation asked: “How virtual can academic conferences go?” The events in the series run until Monday, 7 September.

The next event will be held on Monday, 13 July and will focus on “International collaborations: how can we shift the power towards Africa?” Other events in the series will take place as follows:

• Monday, 27 July - “Undergraduate student mobility: are virtual experiences a realistic substitute?”
• Monday, 24 August - “Postgraduate researchers: can we rethink the international experience?”
• Monday, 7 September - “How does changing the medium change the way of doing things?”
• Visit the feature page: Unleashing the new global university.

2. Weekly COVID-19 cases update

As at 7 July, the total number of reported COVID-19 cases at UCT is 77. This total comprises 58 non-health sciences staff members and 19 students, of which five are Faculty of Health Sciences students on clinical platforms. The number of reported recoveries for staff is 35. Recoveries for students are not included as not all cases are managed by the Department of Student Affairs. There have sadly been six deaths reported – five staff members and one student.

3. Return to campus framework

The UCT executive has issued updates on how the university will coordinate the phased return to campus for staff and students. The framework does not signal a return to normal. Staff and students may only return to campus if they have been specifically issued with an invitation. If this invitation has not been issued, you may not return.

The small group of staff and students who are invited back to campus will have to adhere to very strict health and safety guidelines. All UCT staff must continue to work remotely unless invited back to campus as an essential service – this is a very small group. Although the university is putting a number of measures in place, staff and students are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their health.

• Read an update by the COO: Key framework for returning to UCT.
• Read DVC Desk: Limited invitations to return to residence.

4. UCT pays homage to COVID-19 frontline workers

The UCT Choir has paid tribute to the country’s essential workers at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. The choir’s rendition of the traditional isiZulu hymn, Thuma Mina, is also dedicated to UCT community members battling COVID-19 and those who lost their lives or family members to the virus.

• Watch the Thuma Mina video.

5. UCT’s commitment to eradicating racism

The Leadership Lekgotla has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to the eradication of all forms of racism and inequality, including, but not limited to women, black staff and students, and the LGBTIQ+ community. This comes following the horrendous killing of George Floyd in the US. This inhumanity was displayed to a global audience and once again exposed the suffocating and deadly legacy of centuries of systemic racism and structural inequality. The Leadership Lekgotla also fully supports and endorses the Council’s statement which commits to the eradication of all forms of racism across UCT.

• Read the VC Desk: Our commitment to eradicating racism.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements