Online learning should become a permanent feature, says Nzimande

JOHANNESBURG – Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande said on Thursday that COVID-19 has made it clear that online learning must become a permanent feature in the sector.

Nzimande gave an update on his department’s efforts to save the 2020 academic year despite the troubles brought by the global pandemic.

He said that while COVID-19 forced the sector to seek digital and online forms of teaching and learning, the medium will be used in the future.

“This blended and multi-model learning, including digital and online learning, must become a standard part of the future higher education system – that is the lesson we are learning.”

Nzimande acknowledged that some students have had trouble accessing online learning due to delays in the delivery of laptops.

He said that new contractors had now been appointed.

“The laptops will now only be distributed in the new academic year, which will now also help us address the severe financial challenges facing Nsfas.”

Nzimande apologized for the delay in the delivery of the laptops, seeing procurement processes that were not followed.

Meanwhile, on Thursday he also confirmed that his department was investigating cluster coronavirus outbreaks at institutions in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

He said that over the past few weeks, 600 students had been tested.

“We have assembled a multidisciplinary research team that also includes members from the (World Health Organization), the Department of Health and the National Health Laboratory Service to manage and contain the outbreaks by early identification of infected students and staff.” .

He also expressed concern for students not practicing COVID-19 protocols.

“I call on students and staff to adhere to preventive measures, including wearing masks, proper hand washing, and avoiding hand shaking.”

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