The NWU once again reaffirmed its non-mandatory stance on vaccinations and that no one will be turned away from campuses or residences based on their vaccination status.
The NWU held an online press conference on Thursday, 24 February to clarify various talking points regarding its vaccination stance.
“It needs to be categorically stated that the NWU has a non-mandatory stance on vaccinations, and any staff member or student who wishes not to be vaccinated (on constitutional or medical grounds), may apply for exemption. These applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may provide specific restrictions and limitations of access to any of the university environments,” the NWU stated in a press release prior to the media conference.
It is also expected that the NWU though need to comply with national regulations on Covid-19. The NWU is also pro-vaccination based on the experiences of losing colleagues to Covid-19 during the pandemic.
Prof. Linda du Plessis, acting vice chancellor of the NWU confirmed that the university is currently awaiting directives from the Department of Higher Education and Training in terms of new Covid-19 guidelines that will further guide the university in addressing risks associated with the pandemic.
“We need to review our Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment and see whether this will inform a possible review of our Covid-19 vaccination plans and SOPs or whether the outcome of the risk assessments will be the same. Until the review is completed we will not enforce the SOP’s. We need to be informed what our profile on our campuses look like. We don’t know how the pandemic will unfold. We have to prepare ourselves to work within the national disaster management act. We don’t express an opinion whether we are pro or anti-vaccination. We need to create an environment that is safe for everyone. We need to comply to national guidelines and regulations,” stated Prof. Du Plessis.
Sporting events, such as the popular Varsity Cup rugby tournament, that require spectators to be vaccinated is not a directive from the NWU, but rather one from Varsity Cup itself. This is an example of the NWU not having the final say on the accessibility of an events that the NWU participates in. At this stage the NWU reassures stakeholders that they do not need to be vaccinated in order to access the campus.
“The management of the NWU is aware that there remain a lot of uncertainties and questions among stakeholders regarding the management of health and related risks, but wants to give its stakeholders the assurance that the university is doing everything possible to find an amicable solution for all concerned.”
