Commemorating the COVID-19 anniversary

26 March 2021 | VC Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng

Dear colleagues and students

On 5 March 2020, the country anxiously observed as Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, announced that South Africa’s first positive COVID-19 case had been confirmed. The University of Cape Town (UCT) closed on 16 March, with term vacation beginning a week earlier to allow students to return home as the country went into national lockdown a year ago at midnight on 26 March 2020.

Undoubtedly the past year has been characterised by immeasurable loss, uncertainty, learning and unlearning, and resilience.

On Thursday, 25 March, the UCT executive held a special COVID-19 commemoration where we observed a moment of silence. The executive and I lit candles to remember the members of the UCT community we have lost to this deadly virus (and all lives lost during this period), and created a small space for each of us to reflect on the recent past and commit ourselves to a future of growth and healing as a community.

We salute the collective efforts of all our extraordinary staff, students and alumni who remained steadfast and focused in helping the university navigate one of its hardest times. This includes our experts and scientists who were in the frontline clinical work – whether it was treating patients, advising government through various ministerial advisory committees, or playing an active role in research initiatives and spearheading scientific efforts in the clinical trials for effective COVID-19 vaccines.

There were those who worked diligently in ensuring that the operations of the university ran smoothly despite the impact of the pandemic. These were our campus essential workers, such as cleaning staff and Campus Protection Services. This also includes all our staff working in the background, often online and frequently least noticed, to support our students and to ensure that UCT ran efficiently. I laud them for their courage and commitment.

I would like to thank UCT’s COVID-19 Coordinating Committee (CCC), chaired by the university’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr Reno Morar. It is tasked with continued close monitoring of any developments around COVID-19 and is working in partnership with the Department of Health, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the Western Cape Department of Health, and other spheres and agencies of government, as well as the executive and departments across UCT.

UCT was fortunate that there were valuable and effective digital resources at the beginning of the pandemic, and that members of our teaching staff were able to adapt to remote teaching. It was not perfect, but it was effective under difficult circumstances. Many had to stop their research work to adjust their teaching. We are continually learning valuable lessons that we are applying to the 2021 academic year.

South Africa’s Sisonke clinical trial of the investigational single-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine candidate began on 17 February 2021, at Khayelitsha Hospital, with President Cyril Ramaphosa, Dr Mkhize and various frontline healthcare workers among the first to receive the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine. Professor Linda-Gail Bekker and Professor Graeme Meintjes, of UCT’s Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine in the Faculty of Health Sciences, were present for the auspicious occasion, and both played leading roles in the J&J vaccine trials.

The challenge now is to ensure that as many people are vaccinated as possible over the coming months. This provides a glimmer of hope following a year that has been filled with uncertainty.

I encourage all of us to remain vigilant, as the virus remains a reality. It is everybody’s responsibility to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations and protocols of social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing of masks in public, for the safety of all.

As always, let us not stop practicing kindness, understanding and empathy towards each other.

Sincerely

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
Vice-Chancellor


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UCT’s response to COVID-19 in 2021

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.

Thank You UCT Community

Global Citizen Asks: Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe & Effective?

UCT’s Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) collaborated with Global Citizen, speaking to trusted experts to dispel vaccine misinformation.



If you have further questions about the COVID-19 vaccine check out the FAQ produced by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF). The DTHF has developed a dedicated chat function where you can ask your vaccine-related questions on the bottom right hand corner of the website.

IDM YouTube channel | IDM website
 

UCT Community of Hope Vaccination Centre

The University of Cape Town in partnership with the Western Cape Government (WCG) have reinforced our commitment to bringing hope to the residents of the Mother City with the launch of the world‑class Community of Hope Vaccination Centre that opened its doors on Monday, 30 August 2021.

The site is located on Main Road in Mowbray – in the Forest Hill Residence – and access is from Broad Street. The site is open every Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:00 and on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00. Please allow time for attending to COVID-19 protocols and arrive as early as possible at the vaccination centre.



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UCT statements related to COVID-19 vaccinations

This is a space created for all formal bodies and structures within the university community to share their opinions on the need for a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy. Please note that some editorial judgement may be applied if the received statements go against any constitutional rights, and that no correspondence will be entered into, statements will be posted unedited and as received. Statements can be sent to opinions@uct.ac.za.


 

Commemorating a year of COVID-19

At midnight on 26 March 2020, South Africa 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.

#UCTCOVIDPledge – social media elements


Customised Facebook frames and Instagram stickers are now available on those social media platforms. Watch the tutorial videos here to see how easily you can show your support for the #UCTCOVIDPledge.

 
 

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.

 

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