Support for staff and students affected by recent developments

Dear colleagues, students and the wider UCT community

We are in a dangerous moment for our democracy. The right to peaceful protest is sacrosanct; but looting, killing and criminal insurrection have no place in our society.

Many of our students and staff have families and friends who are directly affected by the violence in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and other hot spots. Students, who are at home for the vacation or because they are studying remotely, may be concerned because they are unable to complete requirements for their courses or because they have lost equipment or access to the internet. Others may be anxious about their ability to rejoin classes once the vacation is over.

If you are a student and need help, please contact our Student Wellness Service at 021 650 1017. 24-hour counseling is available through the UCT Careline, 0800 24 25 26 or by texting 31393.

If you are a member of staff and need help, please make use of the ICAS toll-free service at 080 111 3945 or send a please-call-me to *134*905#. You can also use the ICAS On-the-Go app which allows you to chat live with an ICAS counsellor. The app gives you and your family access to a 24/7/365 Employee Wellness Programme. Connect to ICAS-on-the Go using the UCT staff code UNI003.

In times such as these we, as a university, are resolute in our values and in the principles for achieving a fair and just society that are set out in our Constitution.

Sincerely

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
Vice-Chancellor

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements