Monday, 16 March

17:15

Vice-Chancellor Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng has written to parents and supporters of UCT students.

Read the VC’s letter to parents

16:00

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on Sunday evening, and on the advice of a range of agencies and health specialists, the University of Cape Town (UCT) executive and the Leadership Lekgotla decided to break immediately for UCT’s Term 1 vacation.

Physical classes have been suspended from Monday, 16 March, and students in residences have been given 72 hours to vacate their accommodation. While postgraduate students have been advised to continue working with their supervisors, undergraduate teaching and learning will largely be moved online. Details on this will follow in the week ahead. 

While off-site work has been encouraged, essential services will continue on campus.

All non-essential gatherings must be minimised, cancelled or postponed until the end of June 2020. The chancellor’s installation scheduled for Monday, 16 March, has been postponed, and the March graduation ceremonies, due to start on Thursday, 19 March, have been suspended. The Registrar’s Office will send details to graduands about how they can receive their graduation certificates.

UCT’s first case of COVID-19 was confirmed yesterday. The staff member is in isolation at home. Please note that it is critical that we refrain as a community from stigmatising individuals that are affected. In addition, please do not spread rumours or unconfirmed information.

Read the VC Desk.