Husain Mohamed – 10/06/2020 

Government is trying to strike a balance between saving lives and saving the academic year for both schools and Universities. Schools began to reopen on Monday with Grade 7 and 12 learners returning to class, however there are many questions surrounding the reopening of Universities.

Minister of Higher Education Dr Blade Nzimande addressed the media late on Tuesday with regard to the way forward for institutions of higher education. The Minister said since the beginning of lockdown level 3, universities across the country were allowed to open campuses and residences for 33% of their student population.

There are however conditions on who qualifies to go back and there are uncertainties on whether the rest of the students will be allowed to return this year.

To discuss this Radio Islam spoke to the CEO of Universities South Africa, Professor Ahmed Bawa. He says preference was given to health science students and final year students.

“The first category of students that were being considered for return were students who are in health sciences who had to do clinical training, they returned in level 4. For level 3, the emphasis will be on final year students who are going to graduate this year.”

He adds that students who can study online have been advised to do so.

“Those students who are able to study from home, using online facilities, have been encouraged to do so.”

Students who are not allowed to return to campus will be supported through the provision of necessary electronic devices and mobile data.

Listen to the full interview here: