Dear CUT Community

As the COVID-19 infections continue to rise nationwide, we urge you to take extra caution and adhere to all the hygiene and physical distancing protocol - especially now that we are experiencing extreme cold temperatures and are in the middle of our normal annual flu season.

Sadly, two of our Bloemfontein campus students who were studying from home, tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of infections at CUT to four. We wish the students a speedy and full recovery. We are in contact with these students and continue to give them emotional support. One student is receiving medical care at the Universitas Hospital, while the other student is recovering at home and practising self-isolation.

Since both the infected students were doing home-based learning, there is no current risk on the CUT campus. Neither of the two students were in contact with other CUT students, and the normal Provincial Department of Health protocol is followed.

Following from my previous communiqués on our staff member at the Bloemfontein campus and student at the Welkom campus who have tested positive for COVID-19, I am grateful to report that both of them are recovering well. I spoke to them earlier today, and they confirmed that they are not showing any symptoms and are in good spirit. Our student was discharged from hospital today, and our staff member completed the 14-days self-isolation today. We praise God for protecting them!

It is important to remain positive, and not allow fear and false information to cause additional anxiety. Be assured that CUT is doing as much as possible in order the minimise the infection risk on our campuses. Access control at all our gates include individual screening, supported by rigorous hygiene and physical distancing protocol on campus. Please continue to protect your own physical and mental well-being, and empower yourself with true and verifiable information available form reputable news sources or our CUT COVID-19 Information Hub.

Remember to reach out if you need support, and be assured that you are not alone. Together, we can help each other to survive this pandemic, and acquire valuable academic and mental skills. Take care of yourself.

May you all be blessed! E se e ka Ramasedi a ka le hlohonolofatsa! Mag julle almal geseënd wees!

Prof. Henk de Jager

Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Download the VC communique, 15 July 2020 (PDF)