WATCH |UCT suspends classes, put measures in place to assist students affected by devastating fire

The blaze gutted a section of the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant and quickly spread to adjacent areas.

Historical artefacts and documents have also been lost when flames engulfed the Jagger library.

In a statement, the Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng says the university is arranging emergency accommodation for students evacuated from residences.

“UCT is deeply grateful to all the donors who have come forward to supply food and other essential items for our students and everyone who has come forward so generously to provide support and assistance.

Approximately 4 000 meals were prepared for distribution on Sunday evening and further meals will be prepared at Old Mutual’s offices in Pinelands, Cape Town and from there these will be distributed to the locations where our students are accommodated,” says Phakeng.

She added that the necessary arrangements have also been made to cater for Muslim students who are observing the holy month of Ramadan.

The university has suspended all academic activities for Monday and Tuesday.

“No classes, tutorials, laboratory work or tests will take place on Monday, 19 April or Tuesday, 20 April. We will assess the situation and provide further updates before midday on Tuesday.

The safety of students and staff is paramount. For safety reasons, campus will be locked down and no one, other than emergency services, will be allowed access. We are all anxious about the extent of the damage to the Rondebosch campus. We will provide updates as soon as we are able to do so,” reads the statement.

The public is asked to donate any essential items and food.

“We urge those able to, to please donate to the emergency relief fund that has been set up,” adds Phakeng in the statement.

Phakeng says the university is not yet able to confirm the extent of the damage to property or the number of buildings completely destroyed.