Dear colleagues and students
The UCT vaccination site remains open on Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00, in addition to being operational every weekday from 08:00 till 15:00. Read more on this and other updates below.
1. UCT vaccination site operating times
The UCT Community of Hope Vaccination Centre is open every weekday from 08:00 to 15:00. In a bid to make it easier for people to protect themselves and their loved ones against COVID-19, the site is also open on Saturdays, from 09:00 to 13:00.
The site is close to a range of transport hubs and can be found at the university's Forest Hill residence complex on the Main Road, Mowbray, with access via Broad Street.
2. Wolfson Memorial Lecture
The annual Wolfson Memorial Lecture will be presented by Professor Valerie Mizrahi, world renowned director of the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM). Her lecture is titled: ‘Planning ahead for research impact: reflections from a decade as director of the IDM at UCT’. It will be a hybrid event which will be live-streamed, with a physical event held at the Wolfson Pavilion for a limited number of guests in strict accordance with UCT’s COVID-19 protocols. It will take place on Monday, 22 November from 17:00 to 18:00.
3. Update on COVID-19 cases
As at 1 November 2021, the university has 666 reported cases of COVID-19 among non-health sciences staff members, with 639 recoveries. The number of students who have tested positive stands at 385, with 380 recoveries. The university has lost 27 staff members and three students to the virus.
4. NSFAS 2022 applications are open
Applications to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for 2022 are now open. Students can view their eligibility and apply via the NSFAS website. The closing date for applications is 7 January 2022.
5. Performance Management, Reward and Recognition survey
The university has brokered the services of PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct an independent, consolidated review of performance management and reward systems, processes and policies across UCT.
Participation in this review, through a survey and focus groups, will provide an opportunity for staff to share their insights on the current system and processes, as well as contribute to the recommendations for an improved performance management and reward and recognition solution going forward. All survey responses are anonymous at the individual level and staff are encouraged to participate and complete the survey as a first step. The survey is available in Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa.
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COVID-19 is a global pandemic that caused President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a national disaster in South Africa on 15 March 2020 and to implement a national lockdown from 26 March 2020.
UCT is taking the threat of infection in our university community extremely seriously, and this page will be updated regularly with the latest COVID-19 information. Please note that the information on this page is subject to change depending on current lockdown regulations.
UCT’s Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) collaborated with Global Citizen, speaking to trusted experts to dispel vaccine misinformation.
If you have further questions about the COVID-19 vaccine check out the FAQ produced by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF). The DTHF has developed a dedicated chat function where you can ask your vaccine-related questions on the bottom right hand corner of the website.
IDM YouTube channel | IDM website
The University of Cape Town in partnership with the Western Cape Government (WCG) have reinforced our commitment to bringing hope to the residents of the Mother City with the launch of the world‑class Community of Hope Vaccination Centre that opened its doors on Monday, 30 August 2021.
The site is located on Main Road in Mowbray – in the Forest Hill Residence – and access is from Broad Street. The site is open every Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:00 and on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00. Please allow time for attending to COVID-19 protocols and arrive as early as possible at the vaccination centre.
This is a space created for all formal bodies and structures within the university community to share their opinions on the need for a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy. Please note that some editorial judgement may be applied if the received statements go against any constitutional rights, and that no correspondence will be entered into, statements will be posted unedited and as received. Statements can be sent to opinions@uct.ac.za.
At midnight on 26 March 2020, South Africa went into the first nationwide hard lockdown. A year later, we remember those who have died and those who have been affected by COVID-19, as well as the pandemic’s effects across society and campus. We are especially grateful for the front-line health workers who have done so much for so many.
In an email to the UCT community, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng said:
“COVID-19, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, is a rapidly changing epidemic. [...] Information [...] will be updated as and when new information becomes available.”
We are continuing to monitor the situation and we will be updating the UCT community regularly – as and when there are further updates. If you are concerned or need more information, students can contact the Student Wellness Service on 021 650 5620 or 021 650 1271 (after hours), while staff can contact 021 650 5685.