“The start of the new term had been delayed by one week. Online classes will resume on May 31, 2021.”
THE SPIKE in Covid-19 infections in the Northern Cape has seen Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley placed on alert Level 3 and the institution placed on recess until the end of the month.
The university’s senior communications and marketing manager, Kashini Maistry, said on Tuesday that the university will remain under Level 3 until the end of May.
“There had been a significant spike in the number of Covid-19 infections in the Province, where the number of active infections is presently the highest in the country. We placed the university under alert Level 3 from May 17 until May 31, 2021 to mitigate the spread of the virus at SPU and the larger Kimberley community, while also successfully managing our academic project,” said Maistry.
She added that a number arrangement had been put in place in order to ensure that students do not miss out on any learning.
“The start of the new term had been delayed by one week. Online classes will resume on May 31, 2021. A revised academic calendar was presented to the student representative council (SRC) on May 25, 2021 and it is being circulated for approval by the senate. The return of other cohorts of students is postponed until further notice.
“All students who have evacuated for the current recess must return as from Saturday, May 29, 2021. No early arrivals will be accommodated. Students who chose to remain at home must make their own arrangements for online learning.”
Maistry said a strict curfew had been put in place for students who choose to remain in the student residence.
“All students in University-managed and off-campus residences will adhere to strict quarantine regulations. The details of the restrictions will be explained to all students. Mealtimes for students will take place on a rotational schedule. A daily curfew will be in effect from 10pm to 7am. Any student who contravenes the Covid-19 health and safety protocols and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action and will have to return home immediately.
“A decision on the SPU Covid-19 alert level, after May 31, 2021, will be communicated later this week,” Maistry said.
