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Staff Reporter
The higher education sector in the country is currently experiencing challenges, with protests erupting at some universities. These demonstrations, which have been characterised by violence in some instances, have raised concern about the safety of staff, students and property. As a precautionary measure and to allay these fears, the University of KwaZulu-Natal switched to online learning on Monday, 14 August.
“We understand that the root cause of these protests is discontentment regarding the NSFAS allowances. Nationwide various universities have been affected, and there are indications that these protests will continue. This has necessitated the decision to switch to online leaming,” said Professor Sandile Phinda Songca, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching.
This means that besides academic activities that necessitate in-person engagement, such as practicals and clinics, all other teaching and leaming endeavours will transition to an emergency remote mode.
Songca said that to facilitate this transition, UKZN has already commenced the provision of data to both staff and students. “While this move might be seen as regrettable, it will attest to our agility and rapid response to disruptions to keep people safe while assuring the continuity and quality of the academic project,” Songca said.
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