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Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Blade Nzimande. Photo: GCIS
- Blade Nzimande is concerned with reports of Covid-19 infections in tertiary institutions.
- At the University of Pretoria, 115 students have tested positive since March 18.
- The minister says that other TVET colleges and universities have also reported infections.
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Blade Nzimande appealed to students and staff of tertiary institutions to remain vigilant after outbreaks of Covid-19 infections were reported in the sector.
According to a statement from the Higher Education Department on Saturday, Nzimande attended a briefing on the current outbreaks at various TVET colleges and universities.
Nzimande said the reports of new cases in tertiary institutions were extremely concerning.
“While Covid-19 has been largely detrimental to older population groups, the virus is mutating and newer variants show a greater affinity for young people, who can serve as carriers and accelerate the spread of the infection. Unfortunately, that would trigger the third wave, “Nzimande said.
When Nzimande received the report, the most affected institution was the University of Pretoria, where 55 students had tested positive as of March 31.
On Saturday, the university confirmed that the number increased to 115 students who tested positive since March 18.
“We are working vigorously on contact tracing with the help of the Health Department and have evaluated and evaluated a large number of students and staff over the past few days. Higher Health is still evaluating and evaluating this week, for which they are still awaiting results … There is a probability that the number of positive cases will increase, “added Nzimande.
In a statement, the National Union of Education, Health and Allied Workers (Nehawu) also expressed concern about the “growing number of Covid-19 cases in higher education institutions across the country.”
Nehawu appeared to blame the department, saying he had pleaded with the industry to ensure that all institutions were ready to welcome workers and students, including implementing all necessary measures to prevent infection.
“This was after the department failed to consult with workers as a major player in the sector. It seems our calls fell on deaf ears as we are now facing a growing number of Covid-19 cases,” Nehawu said.
