While Stellenbosch University (SU) is working on finalising its vaccination policy, the South African Union of Students (SAUS) has made it clear it does not support a vaccination mandate at institutions of higher education.
SU had not yet finalised its vaccination policy, with a public consultation on the draft rule concluded on 15 January.
The final decision will be made by SU’s council, which intends to table a recommendation at its first meeting of the year, scheduled for 11?April, according to SU spokesperson Martin Viljoen.
He added that after the public consultation SU decided to review the latest medical evidence available.
“Importantly, part of the consulting process is to consult medical experts and legal experts before moving forward on such a critical issue,” Viljoen said.
There are no shortcuts when the University contemplates introducing a rule with such far-reaching consequences.”
Whether or not students and staff are denied access to campus will depend on the final version of a vaccination rule accepted by SU’s council, according to Viljoen.
“The draft rule, as published and currently under consideration, stipulates non-vaccinated students and staff will not be allowed on campus,” he said. “Provision will be made for certain exemptions.”
One of the organisations that oppose vaccine mandates in institutions of higher education is the SAUS.
Spokesperson Asive Dlanjwa stated it fully supported vaccinations and encouraged all students to vaccinate.
“However, what we’re opposed to is that the students must be vaccinated against their will and that they must be mandated to vaccinate, as we view that as a form of coercion,” he said.
According to Djanjwa it is the constitutional right of every student to choose whether to vaccinate or not, as part of the freedom to make one’s own health choices.
Viljoen said as part of SU’s public consultation process, the university received many comments about a vaccine mandate that were both for and against mandatory vaccinations.
“The university provided ample opportunity for legitimate participation in the consultation process,” he said.
