UCT renames ‘Jammies’ Hall to honour Sarah Baartman

CAPE TOWN — 10 September 2025

The University of Cape Town has renamed its iconic ‘Jammies’ Hall to Sarah Baartman Hall during a ceremony on Wednesday, honouring the Khoi woman whose life symbolises resistance against colonial exploitation.

Students, staff and dignitaries witnessed the renaming, part of UCT’s transformation efforts to reflect South Africa’s heritage. The event coincided with Heritage Month and the spring graduation season. (UCT statement)

The university’s council began renaming the hall in 2018, though COVID-19 delays postponed the process. The change addresses calls from the #RhodesMustFall movement to remove colonial references. (UCT sources)

Sarah Baartman, born in the Eastern Cape in the late 18th century, was taken to Europe where she was objectified and displayed publicly. Her remains were repatriated from France in 2002.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela stated: “Her name on this building calls us to confront injustice with honesty and courage.”

He added: “It reminds us of the violence of colonialism, the silencing of indigenous voices, and the mutilation of the female body in ways that denied humanity.”

Moshabela concluded: “It also calls us to healing: to create spaces where remembrance is linked to justice, where trauma is met with acknowledgement, and where history is engaged openly and responsibly.”