Universities, TVET colleges puts hold to academic programmes
The Higher Education Minister has instructed all universities and TVET colleges to put lectures and some academic programmes on hold from today, until further notice.
Blade Nzimande says it's in line with the steps taken by Basic Education to shut schools for three and a half weeks, as part of efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
They have agreed that there will be institutional arrangements and engagements that will also include accommodation arrangements for students as well as leave arrangements for workers during this period. Nzimande added that some of the institutional activities will continue.
This includes postgraduate and research work. Nzimande said this is not a shutdown but an early recess.
READ: Cruise ship stranded off South Africa coast over virus fears
With the number of COVID-19 cases in the country climbing to 116 - KZN Social Development says visits to the province's old age home won't be allowed for now. "By the look of things, the coronavirus attacks mostly the elderly. We are going to provide sanitisers in all old age homes. We are suspending all visits to our residential facilities," said Khoza.
MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza says they're advising their other NPOs like orphanages to take new measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Kurt Hoggan, who's with Galleria Mall in Amanzimtoti says they're bringing staff on board who'll focus on boosting sanitisation.
"There is nothing more important than maintaining a safe environment. So we will be closing our free play area, increasing our staff structure compliments where we will have additional staff in all the services to sanitise high traffic areas," said Hoggan.
