The Council of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) condemns in the strongest terms inflammatory statements bordering on hate speech made during the fires that have destroyed parts of the University of Cape Town (UCT).

The Council has asked the Executive Management Committee (EMC) of UWC to investigate the matter thoroughly, and hold those who made the unfortunate remarks to account. We trust the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development and Support will deal with the matter with necessary due diligence, aligned to the well-established governance protocols and  processes at the university. 

“The Council is pleased that the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tyrone Pretorius, and his team made offers to support UCT during this tragic time for our sister institution. We are not competing universities and never have been,” says the Chair of Council, Ms Yasmin Forbes.

The four universities in the region (including Stellenbosch University and Cape Peninsula University of Technology) draw strength from our collaboration and partnerships – be it academically or in research endeavours.

“As a Council our thoughts are with UCT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mamokgethi Phakeng and her management team, the students and staff of this important institution in South African society. We  applaud the efforts of our brave firefighters, the volunteers, all those who made generous donations, and the community at large who have been affected by the devastating fires.”

Yasmin Forbes
Chair of Council
20th April 2021