UCT fire: Students return to campus

Students from the University of Cape Town (UCT) began departing emergency accommodation sites on Thursday morning as the process for a return to campus was under way, following the recent fires that affected the Rondebosch campus and surrounds.

As the university welcomed back students, those who reside in Smuts Hall and Fuller Hall – both residences located on upper campus – began collecting their belongings ahead of their move to temporary accommodation sites organised by the university.

#UCTFire #UCTWillRiseAgain UCT’s Department of Student Affairs has set up satellite counselling and medical points at emergency student accommodation sites to provide students with much-needed support. Read more: https://t.co/Z3vXXhf5bI pic.twitter.com/gy48ez0Ulr

— UCT (@UCT_news) April 20, 2021

Residence staff were back at work and ready to welcome students with hot and hearty meals.

#UCTFire #UCTWillRiseAgain UCT catering staff have prepared meals to start feeding our students as they return to the residences. pic.twitter.com/q9ONnSkhVb

— UCT (@UCT_news) April 22, 2021

Collaborative effort

The return to campus follows a massive collaborative effort to relocate students who were evacuated from UCT residences on Sunday. Staff members, the Students’ Representative Council, fellow students and hotels across the city worked together to ensure displaced students were accommodated.

Staff at UCT’s Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) and their neighbours at Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge were instrumental in the immediate moments following the evacuation, becoming the main port of call for displaced students. On Sunday, they took in 600 students, and on Monday, a further 450 to 500 arrived.

Initially, four hotels stepped forward to assist the university: Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge, The Westin Cape Town, Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Victoria Junction, and Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town. That number quickly grew to more than 20 hotels across the city.

While the relocation to emergency accommodation sites was under way, firefighters worked around the clock to douse the flames, and disaster response organisation Gift of the Givers prepared meals and coordinated donations. Their work was enabled by Old Mutual, who opened their facilities as a base at no charge. Corporates such as Shoprite and Checkers, Spur, Engen, The Foschini Group and Nestlé all stepped in to help.

#UCTFire #UCTWillRiseAgain “Thank you very much to all of you for your support & hard work. On behalf of the UCT leadership, I would like to convey my gratitude for the commitment you have all shown & the help you are all giving in the interest of the university.” – Prof Phakeng pic.twitter.com/uz59SdIp8F

— UCT (@UCT_news) April 21, 2021

Cape Town residents, and citizens from across the country, were quick to offer support – from donating food and hygiene packs, to providing transportation for delivery – there was no limit to the kindness and generosity shown.

The return to campus will continue throughout the day on Thursday, and the university remains vigilant about the ongoing threat of COVID-19. Protocols will continue to be observed: face masks will be worn at all times, a safe social distance of 1.5 m will be kept and regular handwashing will be adhered to.

#UCTFire #UCTWillRiseAgain The safety of our students and staff remains paramount. As a campus we will continue to adhere to COVID-19 protocols as students are screened and booked into the various residences today. Thank you for your patience and support. pic.twitter.com/ZYckdXtz3S

— UCT (@UCT_news) April 22, 2021

Assistance

Students are reminded that the university’s Student Wellness Service (SWS) remains available to those who require assistance. In response to the fires and the overall health implications thereof, UCT’s Department of Students Affairs and the SWS set up satellite medical service points at temporary accommodation sites. These services remain available to students and bookings can be made online or via email (sws@uct.ac.za).