DUT sets the record straight on vaccination policy

THE Durban University of Technology (DUT) is concerned about the civilians who were pictured sleeping outside the Steve Biko campus in Durban.

Photographs have been circulating on social media platforms, accompanied by captions about DUT having a mandatory vaccination policy preventing the internal university community and its stakeholders, from entering onto university property or any current students from being allocated accommodation at the university’s student residences.

Senior director of corporate affairs at the university, Alan Khan said, “The DUT Council approved vaccination policy offers three options to students, staff, and visitors.”

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According to a statement released by the university the options for students regarding vaccination policy are as follows:

Choice one

For each member of the DUT community to access any of the DUT campuses, they must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. With this in mind, DUT will establish campus-based vaccination centres and we will facilitate access to hospital-based vaccination services for the entire DUT community to be vaccinated.

Choice two

If a member of the DUT community does not wish to vaccinate, they must then continue with online activities and services. If they are required to be on campus, they must undertake a Covid-19 PCR test 48 hours prior to being on campus and that test result must be negative. These PCR tests will help to ensure that all members of the DUT community are protected. Payment for these PCR tests will rest with the individuals concerned, noting the wide-ranging educational campaigns that have been conducted, followed by a series of DUT campus-based vaccination centres, funded by DUT and supported by the KZN Department of Health.

Choice three

If a member of the DUT community refuses to be fully vaccinated and to provide a negative Covid-19 PCR test result when they may be required to be on campus, then they must continue with online based activities and services; in which case, should there be practical sessions, laboratory sessions and other academic and non-academic work that requires physical attendance, the principles referred to in the Policy shall apply, including facing the consequences of the individual choices.

“DUT also has a vaccination programme that is free for students and staff,” said Khan.

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