The hundreds of University of Cape Town (UCT) students that were affected by the devastating fire that started on Table Mountain on Sunday, April 18, were transported back to campus to collect their belongings. As reported by SABC, 500 of the 4000 students that were affected by the fire last week were housed at the Southern Sun hotel in Cape Town for the past few days.
Students were forced to evacuate after the wildfire made its way to parts of the campus. UCT’s historic library was badly damaged as well as parts of the Rhodes Memorial and a restaurant on the slopes of Devil’s Peak. Student Head at Fuller House, Siphokazi Khuzwayo, said it’s been a stressful time but they are eager to collect their belongings and will then be accommodated at another temporary accommodation.
Meanwhile, UCT news tweeted that it has made alternative arrangements for students living in residence deemed unsafe for re-occupation due to fire damage.
#UCTFire #UCTWillRiseAgain Students at Smuts and Fuller collecting their belongings before moving out. UCT has made alternative arrangements for students in residences deemed unsafe for re-occupation due to fire damage. pic.twitter.com/KlwGzDSbM9
— UCT (@UCT_news) April 22, 2021
Khuzwayo added that students are also keen to commence their academic programme as it was suspended for a week due to the blaze.
Meanwhile, clean-up operations and assessments of the full extent of the fire are yet to take place.
Picture: Cape Town Etc gallery
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