UCT online staff assembly and other updates

Dear colleagues

The university held the first virtual staff assembly for the 2021 academic year, the UCT executive updated staff on operational issues including the impact of the fire. Read more about this and other updates in the latest campus announcement.

1. UCT online staff assembly

On Friday, 30 April, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng hosted the first virtual staff online assembly for 2021 from 08:30 to 10:00. The aim was to update staff on the state of the university for the 2021 academic year, including an update on the effects of the devastating fire of 18 April and other matters related to UCT operations.

Members of the executive team also provided updates from their various portfolios and addressed questions and concerns from staff.

If you were unable to join the online event, you can view or download the recordings.

• View video recording of the assembly.
• Listen to audio recording of the assembly.

2. Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure Training for 2021

UCT has revised the Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure in accordance with the Department of Higher Education and Training policy framework to address sexual and gender based violence in the Post-School Education and Training System.

The university is committed to creating and maintaining an institutional environment in which the dignity of its employees, students, job applicants, clients, visitors, service providers, suppliers and others having dealings with the institution are respected; and where all may pursue their studies, careers, duties and activities free from any form of harassment, including sexual harassment and/or sexual offences.

The purpose of the policy is to encourage and promote the development of an institutional climate and culture that is free of all forms of sexual offences and sexual harassment, and where everyone respects one another’s integrity and dignity, privacy, and right to equity in the institutional environment.

The training schedule has been set as follows:

For further enquiries please contact  Cheryl Vallay indicating your preferred date and time.

3. Protection of Personal Information Act engagement session

The office of the registrar has announced the promulgation of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) with effect from 1 July 2021. The university will arrange an engagement session for staff where UCT’s POPIA team will provide an overview of the Act, elaborate on Universities South Africa guidelines and outline the processes required by the university to comply with POPIA. The team will also be available to respond to any questions that may arise.

• Read Registrar’s notice: Protection of Personal Information Act engagement session.

4. UCT Libraries urgently needs volunteers  

UCT Libraries has made an urgent call for more volunteers to help salvage the remaining collection of the archival materials housed within the Jagger Reading Room, which was destroyed by fire on 18 April. Shifts are available from 08:00 to 13:00 and 13:00 to 18:00 until Sunday, 9 May. It is important to register in advance, as limited spaces are available for each shift. This is a completely volunteer position with no paid remuneration.

Parking is available on campus.

• Register as a volunteer to help salvage the priceless African Studies Collection and other materials at UCT Libraries.

5. Update on COVID-19 cases

As at 1 May, the university has 352 reported cases of COVID-19 among non-health sciences staff members, with 326 recoveries. The number of students who have tested positive stands at 105 with 102 recoveries. The university has lost 19 staff members and three students to the virus.

• Visit the web page paying tribute to the late members of the UCT community.

6. Sharing copyrighted UCT materials online is a serious offence

The illegal uploading of course materials, examination and test papers, lecture notes, slides and other documents, films or images that are termed “copyrighted works” belonging to UCT, constitutes a serious breach of the law. Any student or staff member who is found to be uploading copyrighted works without UCT’s authorisation is liable not only to internal disciplinary action, but also to possible criminal prosecution.

As the copyright owner, UCT has exclusive rights to the copyrighted works. This includes the right to reproduce, publish and make them available to the public. The university has reserved all rights in the copyrighted works and we will take action against any infringement of these rights.

• Read the Registrar’s notice: Sharing copyrighted UCT materials online is a serious offence.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements