Launch of Phambili programme and other updates

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has launched a self-development programme, Phambili, with its objective to support student academic recovery and teaching. Read more on this and other updates below.

1. Launch of the Phambili self-development programme

In addressing challenges and disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years, the university has launched Phambili, aimed at supporting teaching and for students to achieve academic success.

Phambili has been designed by the Centre for Higher Education Development. This programme supplements general and discipline specific support provided by faculties.

The primary aims of the programme are to emphasise student agency and responsibility in their success, enable access to institutional resources and support, and help students develop individual plans for recovery.

A live orientation event for Phambili is scheduled for Tuesday, 8 March in Beattie 114 on Upper Campus from 17:30 to 18:30. The venue has limited capacity, but the event will be live streamed.

Queries can be sent to phambili@uct.ac.za.

• Register online for the programme.
• Read the DVC Desk: Launch of the Phambili self-development programme.

2. COVID-19 booster shots available

Eligible members of the UCT community are encouraged to take their COVID-19 booster shots. The UCT Community of Hope Vaccination Centre is open and offers booster shots.

The booster shots enhance protection and immunity against the virus in vaccinated people, as the effectiveness of the primary vaccine dose wanes over time. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority approved both the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Pfizer booster shots. The government has recently revised the vaccination programme with the time between vaccinations being reduced.

• Read the announcement.

The UCT vaccination centre is open every weekday from 08:00 to 15:00. The site is located at the university's Forest Hill residence complex on the Main Road, Mowbray, with access via Broad Street.

3. Road closure due to Varsity Cup game

The next UCT Varsity Cup game will be played on the Rugby Field, Green Mile on Upper Campus on Monday, 7 March. Please note that as a result, Madiba Circle East will be closed to all vehicles between 17:30 and 21:00. Students and staff are advised to make use of alternative routes.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements