THE Covid-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown caused serious disruptions to university operations, including teaching, learning, research and engagement programmes.
Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, said the department is working tirelessly to salvage what’s left of the academic year.
“Universities and their staff and students responded positively, although at different paces, depending on each institutional circumstance,” he said.
Also read: Universities to extend 2020 academic year
According to the department, the vast majority of the 25 public universities are at “low risk” of not completing the academic year. Nzimande said all universities are fully committed to complete the 2020 academic year by mid-March 2021.
According to Minister Nzimande, so far, it is only the University of Johannesburg that has already wrapped up its academic year, while the University of Pretoria is expected to finish this month.
Also read: UKZN and DUT listed in SA’s top 5 universities
Eight are expected to finish in December, three in January, nine in February and four in March. Meanwhile, all 25 universities are set to start the 2021 academic year at end of March 2021 and one university in April.
“This aligns well with the release of the Basic Education National Senior Certificate results, which are expected to be released on 23 February 2021.”
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
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