University students stranded on campus during virus lockdown
More than 6 000 students have been living on their university campuses since the start of the total lockdown.
One hundred and seventy students are being accommodated by institutions in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Deputy Director-General of University Education, Diane Parker says some students weren't able to make the trip home due to difficult circumstances.
Parker addressed the issue during a virtual meeting on Tuesday.
She says the students are being supported with the basic essentials.
"It's mainly post-graduate and international students, with other smaller groups of vulnerable students who were unable to return home - are also being supported. They are receiving support for food and hygiene products, and there are essential services in place."
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Meanwhile, student financial aid scheme - NSFAS - has assured students they will continue to receive their allowances during the lockdown period.
Parker says - among other things - it would help them to continue with their academic activities online.
"We recognise with the extension of the academic year there may be a need to support students for additional months and possibly into the first quarter of 2021 and that may have financial implications that we are going to have to understand."
