CAPE TOWN - People who will attend the University of Cape Town’s College of Fellows annual event next month, will be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of Covid-19 prevention measures.
The College has come out in support of UCT’s proposed policy by the to make vaccination mandatory for all staff and students from 2022.
The majority of the UCT Senate voted in favour of the proposal last month which is now set to be considered by the Council which will make a final decision after stakeholder engagements.
Writing on behalf of the College of Fellows as its chairperson, UCT vice-chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng said: “It has been agreed that all those who attend must provide proof of vaccination. Other Covid-19 prevention measures will also be in place. This includes the event being held outdoors, wearing of masks and regular sanitizing.
’’We have implemented all these measures for the event because each individual measure contributes, when applied in combination, to reducing the risk of transmission to a low enough level that makes it acceptable to resume such a gathering.”
Phakeng said there was “robust scientific evidence” that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was highly effective in preventing severe Covid-19 and related deaths.
“Such face-to-face group interaction is an essential component of the academic project allowing the university to achieve its full potential. Given the likelihood of the pandemic continuing into 2022, a responsible return to normal academic activity will only be possible if all staff and students are vaccinated,” Phakeng said.
UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola said the University had noted the statement by the university’s College of Fellows on the proposed policy on mandatory vaccination.
“The UCT executive will continue with engagements on the matter this week. Staff and students engagements sessions are scheduled for October 13 and 14 respectively. After taking into consideration the views of staff and students, the executive will form a final position on the matter and then table this before Council at its next meeting on October 16.”
Solidarity Youth which threatened to take legal action against the university over what they called discrimination over the vaccine, said the outcome of the university’s council decision will give them direction on whether to take action against the university.
Cape Times