UCT to host language indaba and other updates

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town's (UCT) Language Indaba will be hosted on Thursday, 12 September 2024. Read more about this and other recent developments on campus.

1. UCT to host language indaba

Staff and students are invited to the UCT Language Indaba, which will take place on Thursday, 12 September 2024 at the Leslie Social building on upper campus at 10:00.

The indaba will be addressed by UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela, personnel from Pan South African Language Board, and the Office for Inclusivity and Change (OIC) among others. It will present an opportunity for staff and students to engage on the proposed language policy and learn how it will affect them.

For more information, please contact Zukiswa Zono.

• See the programme.

2. SWS needs your feedback on mental well-being services

Student Wellness Service (SWS) values students feedback and would love to hear from you! If you haven't had a chance to complete the SWS survey on mental well-being yet, please take a moment to share your thoughts. Your feedback is crucial in helping SWS improve your experience. Please take a few moments to complete the survey.

Any questions or concerns regarding the survey should be directed to the SWS practice manager.

3. OIC’s online training on using social media for good

Are you a male student or staff member at UCT who is interested in learning how to use social media for good by creating content that will spark conversation and engagement on gender-based violence (GBV) and inclusivity at UCT and beyond?

The OIC, in collaboration with the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), is looking for 60 male-identifying students and 15 male-identifying staff members to form part of a diverse pool of the OIC content creators’ team. This team will be trained on content creation, as well as online and in-person discussion facilitation. Interested individuals will be trained on using and creating content (posts, memes, videos and reels) for TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X. All levels of social media proficiency are welcome.

• Read more about the requirements and the training dates.

4. UCT FemFest to be hosted in October

The all-women event, FemFest – which celebrates empowerment, creativity and collaboration, is just around the corner. Entirely hosted by women for women, the event will take place at the Protea by Marriott Hotel Cape Town Mowbray on Saturday, 26 October 2024 from 10:00 to 16:00.

The event aims to provide valuable insights, networking opportunities and inspiration to women from all walks of life.

• Book tickets.

5. Pius Langa Quad to be closed for maintenance

Please note that the Pius Langa Quad in Kramer Law Building, on middle campus will be closed for essential maintenance work from Monday, 9 September at 08:00 until Saturday, 14 September at 00:00.

The glass roofing requires maintenance and, for safety reasons, the Quad must be kept completely clear for the duration of the work. The Properties and Services (P&S) department apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks staff and students for their cooperation.

6. Archibus to undergo routine maintenance

The P&S Workplace Services Portal, Archibus, will undergo routine maintenance and will not be available between 12:00 on Friday, 6 September 2024 and 22:00 on Sunday, 8 September 2024. Staff will not have access to the portal during this time.

For any maintenance emergencies during this period, please contact the maintenance and operations helpdesk on 021 650 4322/4321.

P&S thanks staff for their patience while this important maintenance update is being undertaken.

For any queries, please email the P&S technical support team.

7. Appeal to contribute to the UCT Food Sovereignty programme

The UCT community is urged to contribute to the UCT Food Sovereignty Programme, a vital strategic initiative addressing food insecurity. Established in 2018 by the DSA, the programme aims to promote dignity, well-being, and academic success through compassionate, human-centered support. As part of the initiative, students receive monthly grocery packs to help meet their nutritional needs.

Please consider making a small monthly donation (or direct EFT), so that the university can continue with this much-needed initiative. Please note that donations are tax deductible.

• Contribute to the programme.

For further queries, please contact Nolindo Wabani or Nadierah Pienaar.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements