Campus announcements
Joint proposal on fee debt and other updates
26 February 2025Dear colleagues and students
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Council has approved a joint proposal submitted by the executive and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) to address 2024 fee debt issues affecting financially vulnerable students. Read more about this and other recent developments on campus.
1. Council approval of fee proposal
In an effort to address the 2024 fee debt issues affecting financially vulnerable students, the UCT Council has approved a joint proposal submitted by the executive and the SRC. This decision was made during a special Council meeting on Thursday, 20 February 2025.
The joint proposal, developed through collaboration between the executive and the SRC, seeks to support academically eligible students whose debt exceeds the R10 000 threshold while ensuring the university’s financial sustainability.
2. Update on Table Mountain fire
The university community might be aware of the ongoing fire that has been reported on Table Mountain, close to UCT’s main campus. The South African National Parks is responding to the fire, and Campus Protection Services (CPS) and the UCT Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) division are closely monitoring the situation. There is currently no imminent risk to UCT.
As a precautionary measure, OHSE advises staff and students to be aware of the emergency response procedures, in the event of a possible evacuation – although very unlikely at this stage. Should an evacuation be required, please proceed calmly to the closest designated evacuation point:
- Upper Campus Assembly Point A: rugby field, parallel to the M3 highway.
- Middle Campus Assembly Point B: cricket field on Woolsack.
- Lower Campus Assembly Point C: soccer field opposite Irma Stern Museum.
- Mass Evacuation Assembly Point D: bus terminal below Mowbray Police Station.
Any further updates – if necessary – will be issued via UCT's social media channels, the UCT Mobile App and the university's website.
For emergency assistance, please contact CPS on 080 650 2222.
3. Applications open for global youth initiative by MasterCard Foundation
The For Youth, By Youth (FYBY) movement now accepts applications. UCT students can apply for this globally recognised initiative, co-created by the Mastercard Foundation and the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities.
UCT is one of 10 universities worldwide selected as a partner university, giving students access to mentorship, financial support and leadership training. This initiative empowers young changemakers – especially those facing barriers due to gender, disability, ethnicity or displacement – to lead transformative change in their communities.
What is offered:
- Mentorship and financial support for community-based research projects
- Wellness and leadership resources to strengthen personal and professional growth
- Training in youth-led participatory action research, ethical AI and storytelling
Students can attend an online information session on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, between 19:00 and 20:00 SAST.
Applications close on Saturday, 15 March 2025.
For more information, please send an email.
4. Register for the assessment in the age of AI symposium
Registration is still open for the Assessment in the Age of AI: Principles, Practices and Innovations for the Future of Learning symposium, co-hosted by UCT and Stellenbosch University. Registration is free and open until Thursday, 27 March 2025. Submit an abstract by Tuesday, 4 March 2025.
5. OIC to co-host workshop on anti-racism
UCT’s Office for Inclusivity and Change (OIC), in partnership with Stellenbosch University’s Equality Unit, will host the second instalment of the “Unravelling the Thread” workshop on anti-racism.
Scheduled for Tuesday, 18 March and Wednesday, 19 March 2025, the workshop will take place at the Stellenbosch GBV Center (29 Protea Street, Idasvallei, Stellenbosch) from 09:00 to 16:00.
Both institutions have faced multiple reports of racism – ranging from interpersonal and internalised to institutional and systemic – documented in media coverage and official university reports. In response, both universities have introduced various interventions. However, there remains a critical need for facilitators and experts to design, implement, and evaluate initiatives that engage diverse stakeholders.
This workshop seeks to address that gap by equipping a select group with the necessary skills to drive meaningful and sustainable change.
This learning opportunity is open to individual facilitators. Staff and students are invited to participate in this workshop.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, 4 March 2025 to Quinton Apollis.
6. Introducing SparkTank 2025 – a precursor to The Pitch UCT
The Department of Student Affairs (DSA) has introduced SparkTank, a new addition to UCT’s student entrepreneurship ecosystem. Designed as a preparatory stage for student innovators, SparkTank was developed in collaboration with the Academic Representative Council (ARC) and supported by Innovation & Learning First Tier. The initiative is backed by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and other key stakeholders.
SparkTank offers a structured environment for students to generate, refine and validate their ideas before applying to The Pitch UCT, the university’s premier multi-phase student entrepreneurship programme and competition.
For more information, please contact ThePitchUCT.
7. SWS welcomes new and returning students
The Student Wellness Services (SWS), within the DSA, welcomes both first-year and returning students. Committed to supporting students in achieving their personal and academic goals, SWS encourages all students to access its primary healthcare services to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being.
A dedicated team of professionals offers confidential counselling sessions to assist with stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns. Students feeling overwhelmed by campus-related developments are encouraged to seek support from a health professional for guidance and counselling.
For more information, please contact the SWS practice manager.
8. Strengthening assessment with the good practices guide
Assessment is a cornerstone of quality education, and UCT is committed to maintaining sound and fair assessment practices. In support of this commitment, UCT is pleased to announce the launch of the Good Practices for Assessment Guide (GP4AG).
Developed to support the implementation of UCT’s Assessment Policy, this resource is designed to enhance assessment practices across disciplines, ensuring a consistent and effective approach to evaluating student learning.
Assessment Redesign for AI: An Interactive Guide, which staff members can work through at their own pace, is also available on Amathuba.
Staff are also invited to join the Assessment Studio, which offers staff an opportunity to work in a supportive community when developing and refining their assessment practices.
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