University students set for gradual return to campus

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has given approval for a maximum of 33 percent of students to return to their respective university campuses. “Final-year students who require access to laboratories, technical equipment, data, connectivity and access to residence and private accommodation should return,” he said. The University of the Witwatersrand will reopen its doors to staff and the allotted number of students on 8 June. According to the university, a schedule had been developed for the return to class at lockdown level three and beyond.

This plan, it said, would be refined by senior executives and managers and shared with staff and students on 29 May. The University of Johannesburg will be allowing students to return from 15 June. The university said it was working on clear criteria to identify which students would be allowed to return to campuses and residences, in line with the minister’s statement. Staff who were required to return to work would, it added, be notified in due course. “

A period of two to three weeks will be given to allow students to travel back to their campuses and institutions and to ensure that the campuses are effectively prepared for their return,” said the minister. Both universities said they would use this time to undertake the requisite precautionary measures, adding that cleaning, screening, sanitising and the provision of personal protective equipment would be prioritised. Universities across the country will need to ensure that their campuses are safe and in line with the health and safety protocols as directed by the disaster management regulations before allowing students to return.