EFF STATEMENT ON FIRES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

Monday, 19 April 2021

The EFF has observed regrettably the fires which have ravaged the University of Cape Town and surrounding areas across the Southern Suburbs in Cape Town, Western Cape.

We send our solidarity and strength to all student and staff who have been affected by the fires, and encourage the institution to ensure that all stakeholders are catered for in terms of housing, food and all necessary amenities.

We have noted particularly the tragic burning of the Jagger Library, a critical site of archival knowledge, history and literature which has been turned into ashes. The amount of history that has been out at risk is priceless, and this most be a sign to all institutions of higher learning to digitise archives and important text.

The EFF calls for the City of Cape Town and National Government to fast-track the rebuilding of critical infrastructure and ensure that the academic program at UCT is not adversely affected by this natural disaster.

The leadership of the Student Representative Council must ensure that no one has their academics hampered by this crisis and relevant concessions most be granted as students try and reorganise their lives and remain safe.

Issued by the EFF, 19 April 2021