Vice-Chancellor on sick leave

Dear members of the UCT community

I write to inform you that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, was admitted to hospital on Monday, 5 December and has had to take time away earlier than her scheduled annual leave, which was to have commenced in just a few days.

Professor Phakeng is receiving medical attention and will be out of office while recuperating. Given the stress the Vice-Chancellor has been under, this time away from office will also serve to give her a bit of rest.

The University of Cape Town Council met on Tuesday night, 6 December 2022, and asked Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Elelwani Ramugondo to fulfil the role of acting Vice-Chancellor in the interim.

Along with the UCT senior leadership team, I have no doubt that the university is in capable hands during the Vice-Chancellor’s absence.

The university Council is united in stabilising the situation, and is concerned for Professor Phakeng’s health.

I am certain you will join Council in wishing the Vice-Chancellor a speedy and full recovery. We have gone through a difficult few months, and my hope is that we will all come together as a united community to safeguard and strengthen our beloved university.

Sincerely

Babalwa Ngonyama, CA (SA)
Chair of UCT Council

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