Announcing the UCT vaccination panel

10 November 2021 | VC Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng

Dear colleagues and students

I write to share an update following the communication issued last month on the UCT Council’s in-principle approval of a proposal requiring that all staff (as a condition of being able to perform their duties) and students (as a condition of registration) provide acceptable proof of having been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Council resolved at their October meeting that the university executive should proceed to establish an appropriately constituted panel, whose task would be to develop the operational details required to implement the campus access dispensation to take effect as from 1 January 2022.

The panel is also tasked with, among others, working out the principles and guidelines for exemption from a requirement to provide proof of vaccination.

The panel has now been constituted as follows:

  • Dr Tracey Naledi (Chair)
  • Professor Pierre de Vos (Deputy Chair)
  • Advocate Barbara Mapara
  • Professor Graeme Meintjes
  • Mr Jacques Rousseau
  • Associate Professor Jantina de Vries
  • Ms Kirshni Naidoo
  • Dr Memory Muturiki
  • Professor Mohamed Jeebhay
  • Associate Professor Shose Kessi

The union representatives serving as part of the panel are:

  • Ms Andrea Plos (Employees Union)
  • Mr Athabile Nonxuba (Democratised Transport Logistics and Allied Workers' Union)
  • Mr Bulumko Nkume (South African Liberated Public-Sector Workers Union)
  • Mr Mzomhle Bixa (University and Allied Workers' Union)
  • Associate Professor Nico Fischer (Academics Union)
  • Mr Xolani Poswa (National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union)

The SRC is represented by the following members:

  • Ms Siyabulela Plaatjie
  • Mr Tebogo Mabusela

The panel has already begun its work. As the UCT executive, we will be required to report back to Council at its December 2021 meeting.

As we have always done during this pandemic, we continue to urge those who have not yet been vaccinated to do so, not only protect themselves but to protect those around them. Getting vaccinated is one way to help keep down the rate and the severity of COVID-19 infection.

To make it easier for members of the UCT community to access the vaccine, the UCT Community of Hope Vaccination Centre at Forest Hill Residence has been in operation for the third month now. The site is open to staff, students and the general public from 09:00 to 15:00 on Monday to Friday, and it is now operational on Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00.

Sincerely

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
Vice-Chancellor


Read previous communications:


Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Please view the republishing articles page for more information.


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.



Frequently asked questions

 

News and views


Campus communications

 
2021

 

Media releases



Read more  
 

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.

 

TOP