According to the provider, the blaze engulfed the Rhodes Memorial restaurant, multiple buildings at the University of Cape Town (UCT), which included the Special Collections library that houses rare collections of African Studies.

The fire forced the evacuation of over 4 000 UCT students to emergency accommodation. According to the Cape Town fire and rescue department, two firefighters were injured and are being treated in hospital.

Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group's CEO, says, "We have witnessed a human and historic tragedy following the devastation, human displacement and the loss of historic sites and rare collections at UCT Library. Our R3-million donation is aimed to support efforts by the provincial government as rescue operations have been stepped up in the province."

"The money will be used to provide food and bottled water for affected people. This amount is over and above our business as usual financial commitment to ensure access to communication by restoring the sites and the network across the City of Cape Town," adds Joosub.

Vodacom has resolved to contribute towards the rebuilding of the Jagger Library. The building was constructed in the 1930's and served originally as the main library, then as a short loans centre, and most recently, from 2000 to 2011 as the reading room of the African Studies Library. Jagger library houses priceless archival material, including rare books, manuscripts, photographs and documents such as anti-Apartheid pamphlets.

"As a proudly South African company, we are deeply committed to making a difference in society where we can. We hope our donation will make a difference in not only keeping our youth connected but also rebuilding this significant learning institution," Joosub concludes.

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