The Minister of Higher Education and Technology, Dr. Blade Nzimande, says all Universities can, from today, welcome 100% of their students back to campuses. The Minister yesterday outlined how the country’s universities and technical colleges will operate, under level 1 of the lockdown. He says strict measures will however apply to international students.

The Minister says the hope is that all the country’s Universities should complete their 2020 academic year, by March of next year.

Minister Nzimande says with the results of this year’s Matric exams, only expected on 23 February next year, the re-opening of Universities will be adjusted accordingly.

Nzimande says the organization, Higher Health, has assisted more than 500 individuals with problems with their mental health, during the national lockdown. The telephonic service, which is available free of charge to students and University staff, is supported by medical-experts and trained counselors.

Nzimande, says to date, 69% of university students who receive financial aid through NSFAS are now in possession of digital devices. The Minister says that the devices, such as laptops and tablets, will help students to successfully complete their 2020 academic year. He says many of the students have also received free internet data over the past few months.

[Watch Live] Higher Education, Science and Innovation @HigherEduGovZA, Minister @DrBladeNzimande briefs media on #COVID19 #Level1 restrictions @ButiManamela https://t.co/UEgxIY8wl8

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) September 30, 2020