Wamkelekile, Welkom
SRC election outcome and other updates
04 May 2017 | Communication and Marketing Department
4 May 2017
Dear students and colleagues
This campus announcement aims to inform members of the University of Cape Town community about:
1. SRC election results
The results for the Student Representative Council (SRC) election are final as all complaints have been resolved. One objection was received, objecting to the percentage poll received. The issue of the 18% poll will be addressed as set out in the election results announcement.
2. Two important notices for NSFAS students
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has warned that there is currently a phishing scam targeting students, including first-entering and returning students. The scammers are advising students that there is a technical issue with the NSFAS sBux system. This information is incorrect. It is a scam that is used to get hold of personal details and personal information of our students.
NSFAS also urges funding recipients to sign their NSFAS agreements as soon as possible, or before 31 May 2017, to avoid the possibility of having their funding retracted.
3. Update on IRTC progress
The Chair of the Institutional Reconciliation & Transformation Commission (IRTC) Steering Committee has submitted a letter on the committee's third sitting on 18 April 2017, and progress towards developing provisional terms of reference for the IRTC.
4. Traffic alert: SSISA/UCT 10km Memorial Run
All UCT students and staff are invited to the annual Sport Science Institute of SA (SSISA)/UCT 10km Memorial Run, starting at Middle Campus on Sunday, 7 May 2017, starting at 07:00 (registration at 06:00). Please note that traffic will be disrupted on Middle and Upper Campus on Sunday. Marshalls will be in place to assist the race. The registration desk and finish line will also serve as collection areas for the annual Shoe Drop charity event to collect shoes and warm clothes to be donated to SHAWCO's Rags2Riches initiative. Items can also be dropped off at the administrative offices of the Sports Centre and the Athletics Clubhouse in Groote Schuur Oval, Middle Campus.
5. Library disruption
On Friday afternoon, 28 April 2017, a student set off the fire alarm in the main library and demanded that all students leave. For the safety and security of staff and students, both the library and the 24/7 study area were closed for the rest of the day. A charge has been laid at the Rondebosch SA Police Service (SAPS) for illegally setting off the alarm, and with the Student Disciplinary Tribunal for breaching the code of conduct and preventing other students from studying.
On Tuesday, 2 May, the same student returned to the library and threatened to repeat the same disruptive actions as on Friday. Campus Protection Services were called and the student was escorted from the library. He was arrested by SAPS and will appear in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on 11 May 2017.
It is important to note that setting off a fire alarm when there is no emergency is a contravention of Section 15 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which says: “No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with, damage or misuse anything which is provided in the interest of health or safety.” Anyone who contravenes this Act is liable for criminal prosecution.
6. Smoking policy update: reducing exposure to second-hand smoke
The new UCT Smoking Policy will come into effect on 30 June 2017. Leading up to that date, you are invited to become familiar with of the policy, which aims to encourage a healthier, more productive living and learning environment for all members of the university community. The implementation of the policy, while not trampling on the rights of smokers, will guarantee the right of non-smokers to breathe air not adversely affected by second-hand smoke. The dangers of second-hand smoke have been widely documented, including by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Communication and Marketing Department
Read previous communications:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Please view the republishing articles page for more information.
