Minister Blade Nzimande says there are pros and cons when shutting down these institutions. This after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday night that the gathering of more than 100 people, amongst others, was prohibited due to the outbreak. Nzimande says instead contact at the institution must be limited.

“These are the issues we will discuss on Tuesday 17 March 2020, as to whether the situation warrants the shutting down. As of now, most institutions have said we agreed to limit contact, suspend lectures, use online modes and manage the situation of students in the residences to minimise contact,” Nzimade says.

Meanwhile, an announcement regarding the coronavirus is expected at the University of the Free State today. University spokesperson, Lacea Loader, says the executive management of the university will decide on steps to be taken in response to the recommendations by a task team.

She adds this task team was formed earlier this month by the University’s Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Petersen.

On the other hand, lectures at the University of Cape Town (UCT) have been suspended and all residences have been closed.

OFM News