The South African Parastatal and Tertiary Institutions Union (SAPTU) welcomes the decision of the University of the Free State to do away with compulsory vaccination for lectures and students.
Some for the reasons for the UFS turnaround on its policy of mandatory vaccinations are that many lectures and students are already vaccinated, and a combination model of online classes and contact lessons will limit infection risk of infections.
“We are happy with this decision from the UFS and that it allows individuals to choose their vaccination status,” said Adv. Ben van der Walt, Secretary-General of SAPTU.
“We want everybody to be safe in their workplace, but it must remain their choice to get vaccinated or not. It is important that employers create the best working environment and when and where that is not the case we encourage our members to communicate with us so that we can get involve and make sure you are getting what is rightfully yours according to the laws of the country.”
Stellenbosch University recently communicated that its priority is the optimal return of all staff and students to campus within the framework of the lifting of the national regulations, while the University continue to monitor everyone’s safety.
The risk assessments indicate that the SU are able to accommodate the return of all staff and students to campus when the second semester which started today.
The US said it remains cautious, keeping in mind that Covid-19 is not completely behind us. The University will continue to provide appropriate health and safety measures, including hand sanitiser and face masks. The SU also maintain that vaccination remains the best defence against the virus and its mutations, so it urge all members of the campus community to receive the vaccine.
The Northwest University also continues with its policy of “non-mandatory vaccination requirement”.
ABOUT SAPTU
SAPTU is a politically neutral union for any employee working in South Africa. The union was initially established to serve members in the parastatal and tertiary institutions fields in 1993, but now represent a wide range of members from the agricultural, healthcare, hospitality, security and construction industries. The union is affiliated to FEDUSA. SAPTU and its members benefit from the collective knowledge of this affiliation, which contributes to greater participation and strength. Furthermore, SAPTU has the opportunity to influence legislation through FEDUSA and is represented on various national bodies, including NEDLAC. This enables SAPTU to keep abreast of all new legislation and essential labour developments.
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