It’s Day 12 of the 21 day lockdown.  At the time this newsletter was being written, the confirmed infections to date are 1749 while the confirmed deaths are 13. Entering into the second week of the lockdown, the government was expected to increase its testing ability. This will be crucial to presenting a full picture of the rate of infections and how exactly the virus is spreading. This will likely impact on the possibility of extending or ending the lockdown. Regardless of whether the lockdown ends on April 16 or not, the higher education sector is busy putting together plans to ensure the academic year continues. 

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What’s happening on campuses? 

While all university and TVET college campuses are South Africa closed with the lockdown, work continues behind the scenes. Many universities are working to ensure that term work doesn't get delayed. Many universities are trying to move to learn online and come up with contingency plans. However, the major issue is that many students at home will not have access to the same resources they would ordinarily have on campus. This includes access to computers, the internet and learning resources. All of these issues will need to be tackled by universities before they can even start with online learning.

Universities South Africa board of directors’ met on 24 March to discuss possible ways to move the academic year forward. One of the concerns raised during the meeting was how the academic year would proceed considering the early recess many universities went on which then extended as the lockdown came into effect. Even if the lockdown ends on April 16, it is unlikely that South Africa will immediately revert to business as usual. 

While all the vice-chancellors agreed that the 2020 academic year needs to be completed, they reached a consensus that the majority of students are not ready to switch to online learning. After the virtual meeting, the vice-chancellors agreed to commit themselves and the universities to complete the 2020 academic year. They will be working with the government to look at how universities can respond to the changing dynamics of the pandemic.

Check out OUR COVERAGE of how universities within South Africa and around the world are dealing with COVID-19.  

If you’re getting bogged down by all the information out on the internet, FATIMA MOOSA has PUT TOGETHER an easy myth-buster around COVID-19. 

Here’s how to help the VULNERABLE PEOPLE in your community during the lockdown. 

Since you’re going to be spending quite a bit of time at home, you might as well start making your space more liveable. SHAAZIA EBRAHIM has some ideas. 

Why comparing the COVID-19 lockdown around the world to refugee camps and warzones is wrong. 

Here are some important contact details for the lockdown

Some great opportunities: 

Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP)

Fellowship Program has awarded more than 200 fellowships since its establishment, and it is open to South Africans of any race and ethnicity. In order to be selected, fellows must be in the age range of 30-45 years and show significant skill in their chosen field. The fellowship is offered to recipients for a year of study at Harvard's schools or Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. [Deadline before April 15 2020] More information can be found here. 

UNESCO: UNESCO/POLAND CO-SPONSORED FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAMME IN ENGINEERING 2020

The Polish National Commission for UNESCO and the UNESCO Chair for Science, Technology and Engineering Education at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland, is offering thirty fellowships of six-week duration. [Deadline April 10 2020] Find more details here. 

CHINA: Renmin University Master of Contemporary Chinese Studies Scholarship

The Silk Road School at the Renmin University of China (Suzhou) offers scholarships for applicants who wish to pursue a Master of Contemporary Chinese studies at Silk Road School, Renmin University of China in 2020. The level of the degree is at master’s level. [Deadline before April 30 2020] Find more details here.

No Late Applications To Be Accepted

Everything You Need To Know About NSFAS 2020

However, if you have a question that we have not answered, let us know and we will try to find you an answer.