Some tertiary institutions in Limpopo have suspended all academic activities from Monday as a precautionary measure in view of the threat posed by the Coronavirus.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Polokwane Campus announced that it has suspended academic activities from Monday until 13 April.
Campus Rector Walter Tshamano said they have 3 100 students and more than 90 staff members whom they did not want to put at risk. “We believe that prevention is better than cure. We have also cancelled all physical meetings and travelling. We do video calls and skype meetings.”
Mahlo Mokgalong, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Limpopo said the university also suspended all contact academic activities from Monday until further notice. “In times like this, we need to remain calm and have a coordinated response. That should not be for us as university alone but also for communities where we come from. Our students and staff should be part of the front-line in informing our communities with regard to the situation,” Mokgalong said.
This follows Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Blade Nzimande’s announcement on Tuesday that all universities and colleges in South Africa would be closed for an extended break from Wednesday (yesterday) until 15 April.
Acting spokesperson for Capricorn Tvet College, Adeliade Moshotane on Wednesday (yesterday) said she was not in a position to comment on the suspension of academic activities as she was waiting the institution’s management to brief her.”
Sam Makondo, spokesperson for the provincial Department of Education said all schools in the province would close on Wednesday and re-open on 14 April.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday that schools must close as part of the measures taken to protect the country from the spread of the virus. Initially schools were supposed to close on March 20 and re-open on March 31.
At the time of going to press Jeppe College, Boston City Campus and the University of South Africa could not be reached for a comment.
Story: Herbert Rachuene
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