The University of Pretoria (UP) wishes to offer its support to the staff, students and parents of the University of Cape Town (UCT) as they deal with the after-effects of the devastating fires on campus. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the UCT community, and I would like to remind its members that we will do everything in our power to assist them.

I call on all UP alumni, especially those who are in the vicinity of UCT, to offer their support. Assistance can also be provided through the Gift of the Givers Foundation, which has been working with UCT’s management to assist those who have been affected by the fire. Food items as well as essential personal-hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, toilet rolls, sanitary towels and hand sanitiser have been requested.

On behalf of UP, I would like to remind the UCT community that you are not alone in your efforts to recover from this disaster. We are thinking of you during this difficult time and we wish you much strength and wisdom. We know that you will recover and rise again.