The Mayosi panel and other updates

Dear students and colleagues

This campus announcement aims to inform members of the University of Cape Town community about:

1. The Mayosi panel

The Chair of Council, Mr Sipho M Pityana, confirms that following a resolution taken by Council in late 2018, an independent panel has been constituted with the purpose of reviewing issues raised by stakeholder representatives following the sad passing away of Professor Bongani Mayosi. The four-member panel has commenced its work under the chairpersonship of Professor Thandabantu Nhlapo. The other members of the panel are Dr Somadoda Fikeni, Professor Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela and Ms Nomfundo Walaza. Professor Nhlapo will also be the spokesperson on panel matters. The panel will conduct its work over the next few months and hopes to be in a position to present a report to Council by June 2019.

2. UCT hosts the SA National Defence Force

UCT will host the South African National Defence Force for a special event in the parking lot adjoining UCT’s Baxter, Graça Machel and Kopano residences on Thursday, 21 February at 09:00.

There will be some traffic restrictions ahead of and during the event:

• Between 08:00 and 09:00 on 20 February, vehicles will not have access to Cecil Road at the Mendi Memorial site.
• Access to Cecil Road from the Baxter/Graça Machel parking area will be closed from 04:00 until 10:30 on 21 February.
• The Baxter/ Graça Machel parking lots will be closed from 00:01 on 21 February. Should you need to use your car on 21 February please plan ahead and park at the temporary parking area opposite the astro soccer field near the bowling club or at the Burnage parking area on Woolsack Road (off Main Road next to Leo Marquard). UCT security will patrol these areas.

Should you have any queries, please email colleen.jeftha@uct.ac.za.

3. VC welcome message

The UCT academic year commenced on Monday, 11 February when lectures officially started. Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng welcomed returning and new staff and students at the start of the first term.

Professor Phakeng emphasised the importance of valuing and celebrating UCT’s diversity and of making every community member feel at home on campus. She urged UCT staff and students to demonstrate both kindness and courage in the year ahead.

• See the full video message.

4. ICTS scheduled maintenance

Please note that Sunday, 24 February will be an Information and Communication Technology Services (ICTS) scheduled maintenance slot from 09:00 to 17:00. Unless advised otherwise, do not expect any ICT services to be available for the duration of the maintenance slot.

Please remember to consult the scheduled ICTS maintenance slots for 2019 before planning any teaching, conferences, meetings, etc that require ICT services.

For more information, see the article on why ICTS schedules regular monthly maintenance slots.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements