After suffering a disastrous blow when the Table Mountain fire raged on the UCT campus and caused catastrophic damage to the Jagger Library in April 2021, the institution has launched a remarkable book titled Stories from the Ashes – Africa’s Story Through the Last Millennium.
It’s a collaborative project between DStv, Ogilvy and UCT Libraries Special Collections.
The book, a compilation of remnants and texts salvaged from the burnt Reading Room and flooded basements, commemorates the destruction of significant African Studies monographs, film and government publications and collections, and the work of the professionals who painstakingly curated these collections.
It comprises visuals and reprinted extracts that tackle different subjects such as African history, identity, politics, gender and identity, performing arts, language and linguistics, African youth, migration and the African diaspora.
The book includes personal reflections by distinguished UCT alumni including Justice Albie Sachs; former UCT Vice-Chancellor Dr Mamphela Ramphele; founder member and former Chief Executive Officer of the Steve Biko Foundation, Nkosinathi Biko; and Chair of UCT Convocation, Carl Manlan.
UCT Interim Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Daya Reddy says while the passage of time has eased their sense of shock and loss, there is a long journey ahead to recovery.
Fortunately, we have not been alone in this process. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support – in words, financial assistance and deeds – from alumni, friends and supporters all over the country, the continent and globally.
Reddy says the architect’s project brief for UCT Libraries has been signed off.
“The next step is the appointment of an architect in accordance with the UCT Properties & Services processes. The user group that will guide and advise the master planning process has been finalised and relevant individuals identified for participation. Consideration of how and where to store a new working archive in the future is an important factor in designing and rebuilding the Jagger Library.”
The rebuilding of the historical building is set to take several years, at an estimated cost of around R150 million.
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