The University of Cape Town (UCT) has suspended all academic activities for Monday and Tuesday, following a massive fire that started in Cape Town on Sunday.

The fire reached UCT’s Rondebosch campus forcing the university to evacuate all buildings, including residences, and lock down the campus. Emergency measures have been instituted by the university and emergency accommodation is being prepared for students that have been evacuated from residences.

UCT is not yet able to confirm the extent of property damage or the number or names of the buildings affected.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng has thanked people who have supplied food and other essential items to students.

About 4 000 meals were prepared on Sunday evening and those wishing to donate essential items can do so.

The public is asked to donate any essential items and food which they may wish to contribute at Old Mutual West Campus, 91 Jan Smuts Road, Pinelands, Cape Town.

“We thank all emergency services support staff who have worked with the university, City of Cape Town and SanParks thus far. Our thoughts are with the incredible fire fighters at this time, we wish them strength and endurance as they work tirelessly to extinguish this devastating fire,” Phakeng said.

Counselling services are available to evacuated students and staff: SA Depression and Anxiety Group – 080 024 2526 and ICAS – 080 111 394

Those wishing to donate to the emergency relief fund can do so using the following details:

Account name: UCT Donations Account

Bank: Standard Bank of South Africa

Branch code: Rondebosch Branch, 025009

Account number: 07 152 2387

Swift code: SBZAZAJJ