Some 4,000 learners were evacuated as The Jagger Library caught hearth and at the very least two flooring have been burned in the fireplace, in accordance to nearby news reports.

Other campus properties and historic buildings had been destroyed by the hearth, which include Mostert’s Hill windmill.

Mostert’s Mill, created in 1796, is South Africa’s oldest doing the job windmill.

The College stated on Twitter that “all UCT students have been evacuated from campus by emergency expert services aid staff”.

SANParks, which operates Desk Mountain Nationwide Park, explained it believed that the fireplace experienced been begun unintentionally by a homeless particular person.

Dan Plato, mayor of the Metropolis of Cape Town, stated, “It is tragic that literary treasures have been shed at the UCT library, but I have been knowledgeable that some of the most precious will work ended up saved by the speedy activation of roller doors.

“Our awareness and help continues to be with firefighters and all part gamers working to guard further decline of assets.”

The Jagger Library is residence to the university’s unique collections library, which consists of archival product from rare books, manuscripts, pictures and paperwork to anti-Apartheid pamphlets.

It is recognized that some of these have been digitised.

The University’s vice-chancellor, Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng, reported in a statement that “all academic actions will be suspended [Monday] and on Tuesday”.

“No classes, tutorials, laboratory do the job or checks will consider area on Monday, 19 April or Tuesday, 20 April. We will evaluate the scenario and deliver further more updates prior to midday on Tuesday,” stated Prof Phakeng.

She additional that food stuff and emergency lodging had been organized for all the pupils who had to be evacuated.