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The minister briefed the media on Wednesday about his two portfolios as minister of higher education and science and innovation, and how the departments would be affected by the level 1 lockdown.
FILE: The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, at a press conference on new measures implemented on COVID-19 in the Higher Education, Science and Innovation sectors, on July 7, 2020. Image: GCIS.
JOHANNESBURG – Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande announced on Wednesday that universities were in a position to welcome 100% of students to campus.
Nzimande briefed the media on his two portfolios as minister of higher education and science and innovation, and how the departments would be affected by the level 1 lockdown.
Higher education students were forced to study from home this academic year with limited data and laptop availability, especially for students in rural areas.
Nzimande said universities were in a position to welcome both local and international students to campus.
But the minister said the return would be subject to any restrictions linked to his own risk assessments at the local level.
“I am pleased to say that we are now in a position to welcome 100% of our university students, including all international students currently outside the borders of South Africa,” said Nzimande.
“All universities are implementing their plans to return all students and staff as of October 1 subject to any restrictions related to their own risk assessment due to their local context and conditions,” he added.
He said that international students who had left the country would have to comply with the travel regulations at level 1.
“With regard to international students who return and remain outside of our country, they must comply with the requirements of the Cogta regulations, which include having a test no longer than 72 hours showing that they are negative for the virus upon arrival in South Africa. Otherwise, they will have to go into quarantine at their expense for at least 10 days before going to their respective institutions, “said Nzimande.
Nzimande said that according to the universities, not all students who had been granted permits under the level 2 lockdown were willing to return to campus.
WATCH: Minister Nzimane informs the media about higher education
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