The University of Cape Town's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng acknowledges the complexity of the univerisity's proposal to implement mandatory vaccination policy.
She said the policy has brought relief to students who want to attend contact classes, however concerns have been raised about whether there will be uniform compliance.
According to Professor Phakeng, More than 100 University of Cape Town professors have voted for Covid-19 vaccinations to be mandatory for all staff and students at the university.
A presentation was made to members of the UCT community to share our view as the executive that mandatory vaccination is the condition for face to face interaction next year.
Phakeng says two sessions were held, one for students and the other for staff, where they presented their views on the proposed motion.
The UCT senate is made up of Vice-chancellor, deputy vice-chancellors, Deans/acting deans, deputy deans, acting deputy deans, Heads and acting heads of academic departments and Professors.
This body of academics has unanimously voted in favour of the motion for the mandatory vaccination policy.
The Council discussed this complex matter fully and took into consideration a range of diverse views, says Phakeng. She also added that legal implications from opposing parties were considered and referred to the fact that the matter hasn’t been in court yet. However, she said that the university is prepared to obey what the court says.
Phakeng says this week, the executive is sending letters of appointment to the members of the panel, and has already spoken to the Chair, Dr Tracy Naledi who has more than 20 years in public health. The panel consists of experts from respective fields such as health, Law, and sciences, she said.
She stated that UCT staff and students were also invited to complete a short survey on the matter.
The majority of staff and students who completed the survey supported a mandatory vaccination policy for UCT.
She concluded that the SRC president has been consulted to nominate two candidates that will represent the voice of students, as there are no attempts by the council to deny students their individual rights.
