A cyclist rides on the University of Cape Town campus in Cape Town, South Africa, 23 March 2020. Picture: EPA-EFE/NIC BOTHMA
“In consultation with faculties and with student representatives, the University of Cape Town [UCT] executive has decided to finish the 2020 academic year through remote teaching. Lange said: “The country is currently experiencing the predicted peak of Covid-19 infection and we are advised that another peak is likely to occur in August. We will not be able to maintain the necessary social distancing if we return to face-to-face teaching in campus lecture halls and other academic spaces in the fourth term. Nor will we be able to accommodate all students in residence under safe conditions.
Term 3 starts on 3 August and ends on 18 September. Term 4 starts on 5 October and ends on 13 November. From 5 October to 16 October there is a practical block for the second term component of first semester. From 19 October to 13 November there is a practical block for second semester courses. Consolidation takes place between 16 and 18 November.
“We are well aware that many students would prefer to return to university residences. We need to manage simultaneously students’ needs, health risks and the availability of safe spaces under lockdown conditions. Therefore, we will continue with a phased approach for the return of students, where possible or needed,” Lange said.