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The chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT), Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, has applauded the university community for demonstrating great strength and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She recognised that UCT is facing a complex and evolving situation and thanked the executive, the leadership lekgotla, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, academic staff and professional administrative and service staff for serving UCT with courage, dignity and compassion amid this uncertain time.
While a number of challenges remain, especially for students, which include adapting to the new ways of teaching and learning during lockdown, she implored that they practise self-care, reach out to their struggling peers and do their best every day.
The chancellor encouraged the university community to draw strength from Ma Albertina Sisulu who was born during a time when the Spanish Flu pandemic gripped the world. But through her unfaltering spirit she survived and became one of South Africa’s greatest inspirations in the fight against apartheid.
She reminded the UCT community that the pandemic won’t last forever and assured staff and students of her continuous support.
Staff battling with stress are urged to remotely make use of the UCT services available.
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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 and implement a national lockdown from 26 March.
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.
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03 Jul 2020 - 6 min read RepublishedThe Covid-19 crisis has reinforced the global consequences of fragmented, inadequate and inequitable healthcare systems and the damage caused by hesitant and poorly communicated responses.
24 Jun 2020 - >10 min read OpinionOur scientists must not practise in isolation, but be encouraged to be creative and increase our knowledge of the needs of developing economies, write Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, vice-chancellor of UCT, and Professor Thokozani Majozi from the University of the Witwatersrand.
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“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.