Rhodes University has become the latest to approve the vaccination mandate policy to enable full campus return of students and staff for the next academic year.

It announced the decision on Thursday after the Council considered and agreed on Tuesday to a recommendation by the Senate.

In 2022 it will be compulsory that everyone must provide a valid and acceptable form that proves they are vaccinated against Covid-19, with a vaccine approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) as a condition for access to the campus.

A recommendation for an exemption application process and an alternative health status process for those who cannot take the vaccine on medical or other legitimate and justifiable grounds, was also approved.

The university is considering a team who will evaluate all applications for exemption.

UCT also said on Wednesday that all students and staff must be vaccinated against the virus by January 1.

Stellenbosch University still has to vote on whether to follow suit.

Rhodes University spokesperson Velisile Bukula said a special meeting of Council was convened as the university prepares for the full return next year.

The vaccination requirement also applies as a condition for registration for all students, as well as for staff working on campus, service providers and visitors.

“Key considerations at the meeting revolved around the importance of the resumption of face- to-face university activities and the need to mitigate safety and health risks to students, staff, service providers and members of the community of Makhanda.

“Council decided, after balancing the relevant, competing constitutional rights, that the university had a responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety, health and well-being of all who access and come into contact with members of the university,” said Bukula.

He said the vaccination mandate rule provides for the consideration of special exemptions in appropriate circumstances.

“Where such applications are successful, the university will consider steps to mitigate risk, including the requirement to produce a negative Covid-19 test result on a weekly basis. This would be at the cost of the student, staff member, visitor or service provider concerned in specific circumstances,” he said.

Cape Times