Commemorating Africa Month and other updates

Dear colleagues and students

This campus announcement aims to inform the UCT community about recent updates on campus.

1. Africa Month webinars

In commemorating Africa Month, the African Union’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), in collaboration with UCT Convocation and the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance is hosting a three-day Africa Month public symposium under the theme “Africa’s innovations in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic”.

The symposium got underway on Wednesday, 27 May. Two webinar sessions – “Knowledge systems and knowledge production on the continent” and “Why has Africa been less impacted by COVID 19?” were scheduled for the opening day.

On Thursday, 28 May, the webinar at 11:00 will focus on “Unpacking the climate change and development nexus in Africa: Moving beyond obligations to opportunities”. The last two webinars will take place on Friday, 29 May at 11:00 and 14:00, discussing “Pan-African reflections on leadership and good governance during COVID-19: Good practice, challenges and opportunities” and “COVID-19 philanthropy on the continent: Best practice examples in Africa” respectively.

• Visit the UCT Africa Month feature page for more details.

2. A salute to all UCT colleagues on the frontlines

On behalf of the UCT community, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng expressed gratitude and solidarity to all UCT staff members working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. She acknowledged those whose work is behind the scenes. Staff from Properties and Services Department continue to ensure that everyone has a clean, well-maintained, secure campus to return to. Colleagues in Campus Protection Services continue to patrol buildings and watch over various campuses. Some Information and Communication Technology Services workers also come on site to do essential work. UCT experts in relevant disciplines such as public health are working long hours with government to develop effective strategies for the province and the nation. Researchers, their students and staff are investigating the virus and seeking ways to fight it.

• Read the VC Desk: A salute to all UCT colleagues on the frontlines.

3. Urgent ICTS maintenance

On Sunday 31 May 2020, Information and Communication Technology Services (ICTS) will conduct important maintenance work in the Upper Campus and Bremner data centres. The work, which will help to boost UCT’s network security, will proceed from 09:00 until 17:00. Unless advised to the contrary, do not expect any ICT services to be available for the duration of the maintenance.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements