UCT suspends classes on certain campuses for Thursday and Friday

Dear students and colleagues

Face-to-face classes are suspended for today (Thursday, 26 October 2017) and tomorrow (Friday, 27 October 2017) on the University of Cape Town upper, middle, lower and Hiddingh campuses (excluding the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Graduate School of Business). The reason is primarily for the safety of students and staff and to avoid exposing staff and students to unacceptable disruptive behaviour.

Blended learning models will be implemented where possible and course conveners will communicate further how teaching will continue off campus. Course conveners will also communicate if and how tests and exams will continue and whether practicals and tutorials will proceed.

UCT operations (PASS and academic staff) will remain open where safety allows. Line managers will make operational decisions on safety issues that may occur.

Please note that a private security firm is assisting Campus Protection Services (CPS) in securing buildings and monitoring the situation.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Public Order Police are on campus as a result of the situation this morning and the blockages of public roads. They are monitoring the situation and attempting to clear blockages.

The decision follows extensive disruptions and barricades this morning on entrance and exit roads causing severe delays in traffic on campus and surrounding areas. We regret that a number of staff from the catering, cleaning and Jammie Shuttle services have left their posts without permission. The library was closed for some time as a precaution but has now reopened. The Jammie Shuttles are currently not operational.

Please note that information about services that are affected is constantly updated on the UCT News website.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements