Nearly five years after a devastating fire gutted the Jagger Library at the University of Cape Town, the building stands empty and boarded up. University officials are still deciding its future use following a reimagining process completed in 2022. Heritage authorities urge prompt restoration due to its protected status.
In April 2021, a fire that started on the slopes of Table Mountain swept through the University of Cape Town (UCT) campus, severely damaging several buildings, including the Jagger Library. This historic structure, built in 1931 and expanded in 1943, housed vital archives and the African Studies Collection, serving as a key research facility with a state-of-the-art reading room. Much of the collection was lost, but salvageable books and materials were painstakingly restored and relocated first to an office park in Mowbray and later to Deneb House in Observatory, where they are accessible by appointment.
As of early 2026, the Jagger building remains fenced off, padlocked, and boarded up, with no visible activity. UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola explained that while a temporary roof was installed post-fire to protect the structure, the site has not been reoccupied conventionally. A task team completed a reimagining process in 2022, exploring ambitious ideas for its future role in a 'contemporary African, urban, postcolonial university.' However, Moholola noted that not all proposals are viable, and the focus is on ensuring the library contributes to knowledge, encounter, and public engagement. Proposals for rebuilding are still in development, and the final design may differ from the original.
The building's heritage status under the National Heritage Resources Act requires approval from Heritage Western Cape (HWC) for any changes. HWC CEO Dr Michael Janse van Rensburg stated that no redesign application has been received and emphasized the site's significant value to the Western Cape. He encouraged UCT to initiate restoration processes soon. Moholola attributed delays to the need for a 'professional, disciplined and decisive approach,' warning that haste could undermine durability and alignment with university values. An earlier insurance dispute has now been resolved, clearing one hurdle.
