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The University of Cape Town (UCT) recently announced its decision to finish the 2020 academic year using remote teaching. This implies a change in the academic calendar and has been approved by Senate and Council.
The most important points to highlight in the new calendar include the following:
Students must please note that the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment and the Faculty of Health Sciences are managing their calendars in a slightly different manner, but will also be teaching remotely.
Furthermore, UCT is aware that many students would prefer to return to university residences. However, the university must manage students’ needs, health risks and the availability of safe spaces under lockdown conditions. Therefore, UCT will continue with a phased approach for the return of students where possible or needed.
Within the next month, UCT will make specific announcements as to how this will take place.
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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.
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.
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.