Student session on repealed COVID-19 regulations

Dear students

We are delighted to welcome you back on campus after what I hope was a good and restful break in the past few weeks. As we welcome you back, my wish is that this semester will be a progressive and successful one for you all in your studies.

You would all be all aware by now that South Africa has repealed COVID-19 regulations. The announcement was made by Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla on 23 June 2022.

For the University of Cape Town (UCT), this means that we are no longer restricted by regulations around the number of people who may be in indoor public spaces. We have resumed working from campus; resumed public gatherings on campus; and are no longer required to wear face masks in classes, lectures, labs and meetings.

• Read the VC Desk: Adjusting to our new environment.

Given these developments, we understand that as you make your way back to campus many of you may have questions regarding any other implications for operations because COVID-19 is still very much in our midst. We have therefore arranged a student engagement session to discuss and answer these.

I invite you to join me together with my colleagues at an information session where we will provide an update and endeavour to respond to any questions and concerns. I will be joined by Dr Reno Morar, COO and Chair of the COVID-19 Coordinating Committee as well as two speakers – Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, Chair and HoD of the Department of Medicine and Dr Memory Muturiki, Director of Student Wellness Service.

The panellists will include Professor Sue Harrison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Research and Internationalisation; Professor Harsha Kathard, acting DVC: Teaching and Learning; Mr Pura Mgolombane, Executive Director: Department of Student Affairs; and Dr Tracey Naledi, Deputy Dean: Health Services, Faculty of Health Sciences.

When: Thursday, 28 July 2022
Time: 17:30–19:00
Platform: Microsoft Teams

• Please join the student engagement (from 17:30 on Thursday).

This session was delayed until after the start of the semester to provide an opportunity to share updates with you once you are back on campus. I hope that many of you will be able to join. A similar session was arranged for staff a few weeks ago.

On behalf of the leadership of UCT, I thank each of you for your diligence in helping to keep UCT as safe as possible during the height of the pandemic. It was difficult for all of us, but we learnt to persevere and be creative within the regulations.

Sincerely

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
Vice-Chancellor

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements