In an internal email, students were told that the closure was due to “an incident yesterday regarding a window at the front of the Govan Mbeki Building”.
A member of security staff told our reporter that a “fault” with one of the building’s windows meant the entrance would be closed “for the foreseeable”.
Caution tape covered much of the building’s front facade. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) Affected individuals will be able to access classrooms inside the building via the adjacent George Moore Building, and have been asked to approach their programme leaders with any questions.
The email reads: “The main and rear entrances to the Govan Mbeki Building have been closed as a precautionary measure.
“Protective coverings will be put in place at other entrance/exit points in the coming days
All fire exits will remain open.
“The accessible entrance from the George Moore Building is by the lift lobby linking to the Deeprose Lecture Theatre.”
Students were also told not to open any windows inside the building.
A sign posted to the front door of the building read: “Due to essential maintenance, this entrance is closed.”
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The Govan Mbeki Building was named after South African politician and anti-apartheid activist Govan Mbeki, a close ally of Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned with him at Robben Island.
Mandela had suggested the building be renamed after his comrade upon receiving an honorary degree from the university in June 1996 at Buckingham Palace.
The building was officially opened by Mbeki’s son, President Thabo Mbeki, at a special ceremony in June 2001.
A Glasgow Caledonian University spokesperson said: “On Wednesday afternoon our staff identified an issue with a single window in our Govan Mbeki Building which had become separated from its frame. The window was reinstated and secured shortly thereafter.
“As a precaution a full assessment is now being undertaken of all similar windows. Two entrances to the building have been temporarily closed and a range of actions are being undertaken to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all the students and staff who use the building.
“We will of course be providing further updates to our staff and students in due course.”