Dear Campus Community,

We warmly welcome students and staff back to campus as we begin the second semester of 2026. 

Senate at its most recent meeting noted the completion of the deferred examination period and we recognise the efforts of all involved in achieving this. We want to commend our students for their perseverance and commitment in ensuring they remain focused on completing their academic journeys.

As the semester commences, we are aware of the uncertainty and challenges in the higher education sector in South Africa. We are also mindful of the many pressures facing our students and staff.

UWC remains committed to supporting our students through these challenges. Academic support, student advising, financial and basic-needs assistance, psychosocial support and other student services are available to help students navigate difficulties and remain on track. We encourage students who are experiencing challenges to seek assistance early and to make use of the support available to them.

We also recognise that a conducive campus environment is essential to teaching, learning and student success. We are therefore equally committed to ensuring that our campus remains a safe and supportive environment in which students and staff can learn, work and participate fully in university life.

Though significant progress has been made in addressing maintenance issues across campus, it must be recognised that the work remains ongoing. Management remains committed to resolving outstanding work and continuing with the earnest efforts to improve campus residential experiences.

The successful completion of the academic year will require a collective effort and so we encourage students to remain focused on their academic goals, seek support when needed and engage constructively with the University. Staff will continue to work together to create the conditions that enable our students to thrive and succeed.

Students and staff are advised to make use of the following services should they require assistance:

• UWC Campus Protection Services: 021 959 2100
• Residential Services: 021 959 2569
• Centre for Student Support Services (CSSS) 24-hour FreeCall UWC/SADAG Counselling Helpline: 0800 222 333
• CSSS SMS: 31393
• CSSS appointments: csss@uwc.ac.za
• Reslife Counselling Services: Available to all residence students for counselling and mental health support. Email: reslifehelpline@uwc.ac.za
• South African Police Service (SAPS): 08600 10111 or 112 from a cellphone

Lastly, students and staff are encouraged to rely only on UWC’s official communication channels for information about the academic programme. We wish you every success for the remaining academic period.

The Executive Management
University of the Western Cape