Dear colleagues
The Remote Connectivity Policy was formulated to ensure business continuity in response to the need for remote working in March 2020. It was an interim policy, as the focus was on ensuring staff were operationally productive for the duration of the forced remote working, and that additional data costs required were compensated.
At the time, no one expected this to last for over a year and a review of the policy is opportune given what we know now.
The basis of the initial policy was that additional data costs were to be reimbursed to staff members who incurred them. As such, there were three data categories – those who already had adequate connectivity at home; those who had a device but inadequate data; and those who had neither a device nor data. These categories have been merged in the updated policy.
With the extension of this remote working period, and more reasonably priced data deals, the University of Cape Town executive has agreed to give staff who require remote connectivity as part of their job functions a R700 per month Remote Work Allowance (RWA). As technologies merge, the introduction of the RWA will also include a review of current cell phone allowances.
Staff will be responsible for obtaining the most cost-effective connectivity device and data package available in their personal capacities. In addition, staff will be required to have a backup plan in the event of load shedding to prevent business disruption at critical times.
The transition to RWA was effective from 1 August 2021, with those job functions requiring it receiving a R700 per month allowance. The alignment to previous categories is as follows:
Line managers will need to manage the transition for staff in their area, in consultation with their HR Business Practitioners.
The updated interim Remote Connectivity Policy has details on how to initiate the changes.
The university thanks staff members for their constant striving to keep UCT operational during these remote working and uncertain times.
Communication and Marketing Department
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COVID-19 is a global pandemic that caused President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a national disaster in South Africa on 15 March 2020 and to implement a national lockdown from 26 March 2020.
UCT is taking the threat of infection in our university community extremely seriously, and this page will be updated regularly with the latest COVID-19 information. Please note that the information on this page is subject to change depending on current lockdown regulations.
UCT’s Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) collaborated with Global Citizen, speaking to trusted experts to dispel vaccine misinformation.
If you have further questions about the COVID-19 vaccine check out the FAQ produced by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF). The DTHF has developed a dedicated chat function where you can ask your vaccine-related questions on the bottom right hand corner of the website.
IDM YouTube channel | IDM website
The University of Cape Town in partnership with the Western Cape Government (WCG) have reinforced our commitment to bringing hope to the residents of the Mother City with the launch of the world‑class Community of Hope Vaccination Centre that opened its doors on Monday, 30 August 2021.
The site is located on Main Road in Mowbray – in the Forest Hill Residence – and access is from Broad Street. The site is open every Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:00 and on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00. Please allow time for attending to COVID-19 protocols and arrive as early as possible at the vaccination centre.
This is a space created for all formal bodies and structures within the university community to share their opinions on the need for a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy. Please note that some editorial judgement may be applied if the received statements go against any constitutional rights, and that no correspondence will be entered into, statements will be posted unedited and as received. Statements can be sent to opinions@uct.ac.za.
At midnight on 26 March 2020, South Africa went into the first nationwide hard lockdown. A year later, we remember those who have died and those who have been affected by COVID-19, as well as the pandemic’s effects across society and campus. We are especially grateful for the front-line health workers who have done so much for so many.
In an email to the UCT community, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng said:
“COVID-19, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, is a rapidly changing epidemic. [...] Information [...] will be updated as and when new information becomes available.”
We are continuing to monitor the situation and we will be updating the UCT community regularly – as and when there are further updates. If you are concerned or need more information, students can contact the Student Wellness Service on 021 650 5620 or 021 650 1271 (after hours), while staff can contact 021 650 5685.