While 1 March was originally put forward as a proposed starting date for phasing a return to campus of staff members, the University appreciates that this may not be possible for various reasons. As such, staff should continue the sterling work that has enabled the University to successfully complete two academic years while navigating a global pandemic. For now, this work could be on or off campus.
Many teams have, however, already returned to campus to support the operational requirements of the institution, and we thank them for their support towards embracing a return to the former normalcy.
With vaccination numbers and natural immunity levels up (73% of staff are vaccinated) and coronavirus cases subsiding after almost two years of living with the pandemic, there is a real hunger to return some sort of normalcy.
Safety measures
All COVID-19 compliance measures are in place on all the University’s campuses and, in Gqeberha, is being monitored by an expanded team of 11 compliance officers.
The Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) team has also been hard at work in ensuring that all lecture venues, offices and other communal spaces adhere to Adjusted Alert Level 1 restrictions. Additionally, SHE and the Cleaning Department, have introduced a strict cleaning schedule ahead of increased mask-to-mask lectures.
Temperature testing still takes place at campus entrances, except that of Ocean Sciences Campus which has taken on the responsibility of temperature testing within its own spaces there.
Return to campus support
As shared in the initial Memo about the return to campus of staff to support the growing operational needs, various support interventions are being developed to make the transition back to campus easier.
This includes a simple toolkit for line managers; a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to address concerns that staff may have and a webpage dedicated to returning to campus. A webinar on returning to work on campus is also being planned by HR staff.
Concerns
We continue to engage with stakeholders, including organised labour, to ensure a smooth transition to returning to work on campus.
You are welcome to share your concerns or ask questions via returntocampusproc@mandela.ac.za
Nandipha Sishuba
Executive Director: Human Resources