Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). Picture: Facebook
After Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth caused uproar on Sunday night after announcing on Twitter that classes would continue as normal, the university has now followed the example of other universities and suspended classes.
They had earlier said students should make a “special effort” to attend “all classes, tests, laboratory sessions, practicals and experiential learning activities”, as the new term was starting, but by Monday afternoon, they said in a statement sent to The Citizen that all academic activities until the end of the recess period on 29 March would be on hold.
“Following the end of recess, online or virtual learning, and other alternative platforms will be used until after the Easter weekend on 14 April 2020,” the statement added.
The university also took a decision to cancel all events, conferences and public gatherings on campuses, with the autumn graduation ceremonies postponed until further notice.
“Since the outbreak was announced, particularly confirmed cases in South Africa, the university has been exploring ways in which it can help fight the spread of the virus. The health and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our top priority,” said the university’s communications department.
“Last week, as the country’s confirmed cases increased, the University established a dedicated Multi-Stakeholder Task Team to lead the institution’s efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 virus. The Task Team comprises representatives from across the University’s Learning and Teaching and Operational Support Divisions. It is also in direct contact with local infectious diseases experts, including Dr John Black, who heads the Infectious Diseases Unit at Livingstone Tertiary Hospital.
“The University, through the Task Team, began actively working on an institutional strategy for the surveillance, prevention and management of the virus, giving due consideration to the implications that the plan would have for staff and students, as well as for the academic programme.”
Some of the immediate measures taken by the Task Team included:
The Task Team also communicated last week that in the “”highly unlikely event” that the virus directly affected the university, they would firm up plans to effectively contain the spread of the virus.
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