Vice-Chancellor’s return to office

Dear staff and students

I am writing to inform you that Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng has asked to shorten her period of study and research leave and return to office, and that I have agreed to her request. She will resume her role of leading our university from Wednesday, 5 October 2022.

I am grateful to Professor Sue Harrison and Dr Reno Morar for their contributions as acting VC while Professor Phakeng was on leave.

The reason for the VC’s return from her well-deserved sabbatical is that, as Chair of Council, I am deeply concerned by any matters that impact negatively on the university’s reputation and academic credibility. I remain firmly committed to resolving these issues in the spirit of unity, dialogue and mutual understanding. In the interim, I believe it to be appropriate for the VC to resume her full-time leadership position.

There will be a Special Council Meeting on Thursday, 6 October to review what happened at Senate and to chart the way forward. I will write again to the university community after Thursday’s special meeting to report on Council’s decisions.

Sincerely

Babalwa Ngonyama, CA (SA)
Chair of UCT Council

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements