Staff Reporter
Central University of Technology (CUT) says it will not rush to have all qualifying students back on campus in line with the 66 percent threshold as it wants to ensure there is minimum risk for the spread of COVID-19 at its campuses.
CUT spokesperson Dan Maritz said this after Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande announced that the institution is one of the universities in the country that have been listed as high-risk and would therefore need more stringent measures to control the spread of the coronavirus.
Maritz said the university will be receiving more students but the numbers will be much lower than the 66 percent ceiling.
“The university will be receiving students but we have our own limitations,” he told The Free Stater in a telephone interview Wednesday evening.
“We take note of what the minister said and we will be guided by that when we receive more students.
“We will not just allow everyone on campus because it is not in our best interest to do so.
“The health of our students and staff is our priority and we will do everything to ensure everyone is safe.”
Maritz said the university has been considering several options in terms of accommodation, including avoiding the idea of sharing among students in order to minimise the risk of spreading the disease.
He said while it could be a costly exercise as they may need an additional 275 beds in Bloemfontein alone, it is a matter that remains under serious consideration.
“The intention is to minimise risk,” Maritz said.
“So, while the move to Level 2 allows for more campus activity, I believe we shouldn’t lower our vigilance by not following the set health protocols.
“We will only allow a limited number of students back on campus but we will be constantly reviewing our systems.”
CUT has lost four students and a staff member to COVID-19.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Henk de Jager made the announcement two weeks ago when the country moved to Level 2 of the lockdown.
In a calculated statement welcoming the relaxation of some of the tight controls, De Jager said: “Although this involves an increased presence on our campuses, a very cautioned approach will prevail.”
He lamented that the global pandemic had resulted in elevated levels of anxiety, uncertainty and fear for everyone.
“Such emotions complicate our experience of loss and grief,” the vice chancellor said.
“Hence, our sincere condolences go to family, friends, fellow students, and colleagues of the four students and one staff member who have passed away due to COVID-19.”
Nzimande said protocol governing the staggered return of students to campuses must hold.
“Any uncontrolled return would be highly irresponsible and place the lives of students and staff at risk . . . all students that cannot be safely reintegrated, will continue to be supported through remote multimodal teaching learning and assessment until they can return to campus,” the minister said.
Nzimande said international students studying at South African universities currently outside the country will only be able to return to their campuses once international travel resumes at Level 1.
The minister however said priority may have to be given to medical students at registrar level and other senior students may be allowed to return if travel is permitted under Level 2.
The total number of COVID-19 positive cases reported by institutions is 1 552 – of these, 975 are staff and 577 are students.
About 62 students in the Free State have tested positive for COVID-19, Gauteng has 54 and KwaZulu Natal 31.
The Free State recorded five deaths and the Eastern Cape two.
The University of the Free State has been listed as medium risk.