30 December 2020

The health and safety of our students and staff are our priority, and we are taking the necessary precautions to prepare the campuses for the safe return of some of our students and staff, as per the regulations under level 3 announced by the President on 28 December 2020.

Deans of Faculties and Directors of Professional Service Departments will identify the students and staff who qualify to return, according to the University’s phased masterplan approach.

Please note that only students and staff who have been contacted by either their Faculty or Professional Support Department will be allowed to return to the campus and to the residences. This will be done in strict compliance with the regulations and in accordance with the masterplan. Some researchers, postgraduate students and final-year students needing to work in research facilities will be able to do so. From 4 to 8 January 2021 student permits will be issued. Until then, students who require access for activities that were arranged before shutdown will be permitted access without a permit.

It is important to note that no permit is required by staff in terms of the Level 3 regulations, however, their return should also be in strict compliance with the masterplan submitted. The numbers should not exceed 66% at any time. The names of staff members returning to campus must be sent by the Deans or Directors to the Vice-Principal of Institutional Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Prof Anton Ströh ([email protected]), and the Director of Security Services, Mr Johan Boonzaaier ([email protected]).

We urge you all to continue to take precautions and stay safe.

Kind regards,

Prof CMA Nicholson