Five days of national mourning and other updates

Dear colleagues

This campus announcement aims to inform the University of Cape Town community about recent developments on campus.

1. UCT heeds call for five days of national mourning

During his address to the nation on 11 November, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country will observe five days of national mourning from 25 to 29 November. This is in recognition of all those who have lost their lives to COVID-19, sexual and gender-based violence or femicide. In solidarity with the rest of the country, the UCT flag at Sarah Baartman Hall will fly at half-mast for the five days.

• Read the VC Desk: UCT heeds call for five days of national mourning.

2. Honouring staff at UCT Annual Awards

On Wednesday, 2 December 2020, over 300 UCT staff members will be honoured and recognised for their hard work, dedication and exceptional efforts in the various categories at the UCT Annual Awards. These categories are the Ad Hominem Promotions, Alan Pifer Award, Distinguished Teacher Awards, Long Service Awards and VC Excellence Awards. The virtual event video will be available online at 18:00 and all are invited to join in.

• Read the VC Desk: Honouring staff at UCT Annual Awards.

3. Update on COVID-19 cases in the UCT community

UCT has 113 reported cases of COVID-19 among non-health sciences staff members, with 100 recoveries, as at 24 November 2020. The number of students who have tested positive for the virus is 59, which includes 16 Faculty of Health Sciences students on clinical platforms. The university has lost nine staff members and one student to the virus.

• Visit the web page paying tribute to the late members of the UCT community.

4. UCT’s commitment to broaden research assessment

The landscape of research and norms of research practice are changing. As UCT expands its links across Africa, deepens international research collaborations and diversifies research funding income, the university is made increasingly aware of new norms, both required and emerging. An important set of new norms is grouped under the umbrella of open science. Open science speaks directly to the values UCT strives to achieve in excellence, transformation and sustainability: addressing maximised inclusivity, equitable partnerships, transparency in decision-making and sharing of publicly funded science as a public good.

• Read the DVC Desk: UCT’s commitment to broaden research assessment.

5. UCT responses to questions posed by staff

During the online staff assembly in October and over the past few weeks, staff members have posed questions to the university executive about ways of working during these uncertain times. To minimise risk of infection, staff are still encouraged to work from home if they can. Staff need to also discuss concerns and preferences with their relevant line manager, who needs to make the final decision about which staff functions can be completed remotely and which functions require a return to campus.

Responses are being loaded onto the webpage for frequently asked questions (FAQs) about UCT’s response to COVID-19 regularly as decisions are implemented. The executive is committed to keeping the lines of communication open. For questions that a line manager or the FAQ cannot address, staff are encouraged to email the relevant department Human Resources Business Partner.

• Read the COO Desk: UCT responses to questions posed by staff.

6. Farewell to Dr Moonira Khan: ED DSA

Dr Moonira Khan, Executive Director: Department of Student Affairs (ED: DSA) is retiring on 31 December 2020 after 15 years of service to UCT. Under her leadership, DSA has achieved significant milestones. Her unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of UCT students has made Dr Khan’s input invaluable to the student experience. The university is grateful for her many years of exceptional service. Her determination and drive will be sincerely missed.

• Read the VC Desk: Farewell to Dr Moonira Khan: ED DSA.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements