FHS staff and student leaders have prepared a plan to commemorate Professor Bongani Mayosi

University of Cape Town
Provincial Department of Health and all health services staff
National Health Laboratory Services

Dear Staff and Students

The passing of our beloved Dean has unleashed immense grief, shock and profound sadness and we need to provide a space for ourselves as the Faculty family to mourn his death, reflect, and celebrate his incredible life.

Staff and student leaders met over the weekend and have prepared a plan to begin to commemorate his life. No teaching will take place on Monday, 30 and Tuesday, 31 July 2018. All examinations for the week of Monday, 30 July – Friday, 3 August 2018 are postponed. These activities will be re-scheduled, and formal communication will follow shortly. Kindly note that essential services will continue.

Monday, 30 July 2018

08:00 for 08:30: The whole Faculty family is invited to gather in the Health Sciences Plaza between Barnard Fuller and Wernher and Beit North where the Vice-Chancellor Professor Phakeng will meet with us and we will have an opportunity to share our memories. All staff and student leaders will be available from 8h00.

15:30: A staff- and student- led ceremony to commemorate Professor Mayosi will commence and this will be followed by a student-led candlelight vigil starting at 17:30. All members of the University family including colleagues from the Health Services (Department of Health, NHLS) are invited. This will be held in the Health Sciences Plaza and you are invited to bring candles and to participate in the vigil.

From Monday until the end of this week, a memorial book will be available in Frances Ames to give you an opportunity to express your love and respect for Professor Mayosi. The book will be given to Professor Mayosi’s family.

Tuesday, 31 July 2018

All staff and undergraduate and postgraduate students including registrars will have an opportunity to gather in various venues to reflect, share memories, and support one another. Small group venues will be made available for further communal reflection. Venues will communicated in due course.

Mental Health Support for all staff and students

Counselling Services

On Monday and Tuesday from 07:30 all day counsellors will be available on the Health Sciences campus to provide support to staff and students. At all other times, and beyond Tuesday, additional counselling services will be available (see information below).

Peer Support

All staff and students are encouraged to be mindful of what people in their circles may be feeling and offer peer support to fellow students and colleagues or speak to others who may be able to help. Staff and student leaders will be available to provide guidance and support.

As a Faculty family, it is deeply comforting that we can mourn together, share memories of our beloved Dean, and support one another.

The Deanery

* The SADAG toll-free counselling line is 0800 24 25 26 for students and 0800 171 171 for staff

* The ICAS counselling toll-free number is 0801 113 945 for staff