“Completion of academic year at universities becoming likely,” says DHET

The Department of Higher Education mentioned that institutions have been affected by COVID-19 and that was why the completion of the academic year won’t take place at the same time for each university

The completion of the academic year is looking like it would be possible this year.

This is according to the Department of Higher Education and Training who briefed parliamentarians on Friday.

However, the department mentioned that the risks attached to COVID-19 still remain clear and students need to exercise caution.

The Department of Higher Education mentioned that institutions have been affected by COVID-19.

Deputy Director-General Dr. Diane Parker said that was why the completion of the academic year won’t take place at the same time for each university.

“There are now universities that are considered to be high-risk, in other words, we are going into a situation now where we are seeing the successful completion of the academic year across all institutions as being more and more likely.”

Minister Blade Nzimande has admitted the progress but has warned that the risk of COVID-19 remains high.

“I must say that having reached level one that allowed us to admit the last group of students, especially at university, that we must be careful that we don’t lower the guard. Already, I will be receiving the information about what seems to be an outbreak of the virus at the University of Fort Hare.”