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We hope that everyone is following the necessary precautions to stay safe during these difficult times. The SRC has been made aware that some academic departments in the institution are expecting students to make online submissions and write online tests.
We would like to reiterate point number 6 of the statement issued on 17 March 2020 that there must be no submissions of academic work during this period. As students, we cannot be expected to complete academic work in the same fashion as we would during normal term time.
We have already raised the concern that most of us do not have access to personal computers, desktops, or uninterrupted internet connection at home. In some cases, there is no proper network in the areas we have returned to for the vacation.
We still maintain that continuing with the academic program online during this period will disadvantage a significant portion of our student body who face the aforementioned issues and privilege the few who have access to these resources.
We, therefore, urge all lecturers, HOD’s and Deans to halt all academic activities planned for the lockdown period with immediate effect as failure to do this will negatively affect the academic performance of many students going forward. The academic program should be suspended until such a time that a feasible plan has been put in place that will accommodate all students.
We appreciate the intent behind continuing with the academic program as it is in our best interest as students to finish with the academic year. However, we are not confident that the plans currently in place will assist all of us in achieving this goal. We fear that this plan as it stands, is catering to the privileged and will further increase the inequalities that arise in acquiring access to resources.
If such a plan is not put into effect, continuing with the academic program in this way is futile and discriminatory.
Contact:
Secretary-General, Shanti Khosa
046 603 7083
Issued: 27 Mar. 2020