GEORGE NEWS - The Nelson Mandela University has postponed its autumn graduation, until further notice.
The announcement was made after senior management met on Monday to finalise arrangements for dealing with the national Covid-19 restrictions. Vice-chancellor Prof Sibongile Muthwa said the health and well-being of the students and staff remains their top priority.
"The Registrar's office will be in contact with graduands in this regard."
NMU launched an awareness campaign when the outbreak was announced, sharing reliable information on posters, as well as internal and online platforms, about how the virus is spread, how best to protect oneself and minimise the risk of spreading the virus.
All academic activities have been suspended, including classes, research, assessments and work integrated learning (WIL) with immediate effect. All events, conferences and public gatherings on campuses have been cancelled. At the end of recess after the Easter weekend, online or virtual learning and other alternative platforms will be used.
University management discourages all international and domestic travel. "We advise against domestic or local travel, unless the latter is absolutely necessary. International visitors will not be allowed on campus, until further notice," said Muthwa.
All staff and students who have returned from international travel in the last 14 days are required to self-quarantine, if they have not already done so.
The university is closely monitoring global and national developments around Covid-19 and, should the situation change, the institution will adjust its plans accordingly and issue updated communication.
But, said Muthwa, while academic activities have been suspended, university operations continue, unless circumstances change. "Staff are expected to continue working to ensure no disruption to university operations."
In this highly volatile time, regular updates on their response to this challenge will be communicated to the university community using the official institutional platforms, as well as the dedicated web page. NMU calls on everyone to remain calm and practise the necessary precautionary measures, as have been shared via the numerous memoranda.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
