The Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande says under Level 2 of the lockdown, it will be possible for universities to allow for up to a maximum of 66% of students to return to campus.

Groups that will be able to return under level 2 include those that could not return under level 3, students in all years of study requiring laboratory and technical equipment and those requiring practical placements or experiential learning.

The aim is also to complete the 2020 academic year in February next year, with the 2021 academic year targeted to start in either March or April 2021.

Nzimande says the Department has also put in place a bi-monthly monitoring process, through which all public institutions are reporting, and which lays the basis for further engagement with the Department where necessary.

[Watch] Minister Blade Nzimande briefs media on Higher Education, Science and Innovation sector’s response to Coronavirus #Covid19 lockdown alert level 2. https://t.co/paawq7ct87

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) August 26, 2020