It has been two years since the University of Cape Town (UCT) suffered a huge blow following a disastrous fire that resulted in damages that are estimated at more than R500-million.
The university’s Interim Vice Chancellor Emeritus Professor Daya Reddy has mentioned that the university is both grateful and relieved that no lives were lost and that no student or staff was harmed during the sudden evacuation process in April 2021.
Reddy also took note of the outpouring of support in the form of words, financial assistance and deeds from alumni, friends and supporters all over South Africa, the continent and globally.
Recently, the university co-hosted the launch of Stories from the Ashes, a collaborative project between DStv, Ogilvy and UCT Libraries.
In a statement, the university has explained that this book is a compilation of remnants from the Reading Room, and it also commemorates the destruction of African Studies monographs, film and government publications, and includes personal reflections from UCT alumni.
The university has also made mention of how it is now in a better position to proceed with the reconstruction of the Jagger Library.
UCT Libraries' project brief has been signed off for the JW Jagger Library Reading Room and Special Collections Archives.
This will be followed by the appointment of an architect in accordance with the UCT Properties & Services processes, which will make use of the user group and individuals to guide the master planning process for the Jagger Library, with consideration of storage in the future.
In the past two years, UCT hosted a series of workshops to consider how the university might “reimagine” the space as a research library with a focus on African history, identity and creative expression.
What is the history of UCT Jagger Library?
The Jagger Library at the University of Cape Town (UCT) was originally built in the 1930s and was named after the former UCT librarian, Howard Jagger.
It houses rare books, manuscripts, and archives, including the university's African Studies Collection, which is one of the largest on the continent.
The UCT fire that broke out in April 2021 destroyed a significant portion of this collection, however, the library's restoration efforts are ongoing.
