EHLANZENI TVET COLLEGE COMMENDED FOR COVID 19 READINESS FOR THE PHASED RETURN OF STUDENTS AND STAFF
On Friday, 19th of June 2020 the Ehlanzeni TVET College (Nelspruit Campus) was visited by the Mpumalanga MEC for Health, Ms S Manzini.
The purpose of the visit was to check the College readiness regarding the COVID-19 precautionary measures.
The MEC was welcomed by volunteers (previous graduates of the College), trained by Higher Health who screens all incoming visitors, staff and students at the entrance gate for Covid-19 symptoms.
The Deputy Chairperson of Council, Prof JP Shongwe, welcomed the MEC to Ehlanzeni College and expressed appreciation for the support from the MEC and the Department of Health.
The Acting Principal; Mrs M Marais, gave an overview of the required safety measures implemented in respect of COVID-19. She also alluded that various protocols to minimize the risk of spreading the virus have been developed such as protocols for screening, cleaning, volunteers, student residences, Institutional response to a Confirmed COVID-19 case, managing vulnerable employees, physical distancing, teaching, movement on campus, meetings, etc
All College sites (Central Office and 7 campuses) have prepared in terms of COVID -19 readiness, and implemented the following measures:
- All College buildings sanitized, fumigated and cleaned
- Appointed volunteers for each site to do screening at the entrance gates of every person entering the site
- All sites have a designated isolation facility should the screening process identify a person who is regarded as a high risk. The identified person will remain in the facility until a public health official is contacted who will indicate the next steps to be taken
- Signage and posters are displayed on every site to remind everyone of the safety measures.
- The element of social distancing and no mask, no entry is compulsory.
- Students were provided with personal hygiene packs which includes soap, tissues, sanitizer, a T-shirt and 2 cloth masks
- All staff were also provided with 2 cloth masks each and lecturers were also provided with face shields
- All classes are provided with sanitsers
- Vulnerable employees with comorbidities were identified and the necessary safety measures were put in place
- Classes have no more than 20 students to ensure proper physical distancing and class groups were divided in two, following a 6-day cycle which means the first half of the group of students will go to campus for 3 days for face to face teaching whilst the other half remains at home with material for self-study and then rotate
- Students will not move between classes but where possible, will remain in the same venue with the lecturers moving between classes for the different lectures.
The Acting Principal also indicated that the College launched a new zero rated website for students to have easy access to study material, online lessons and previous question papers and memos. Those who have not yet returned to Campus will also benefit from radio and television lessons that are continuing to assist them while studying at home.
The MEC urged the College management to take care of the students as parents have entrusted the College with their children.
She was impressed by the efforts of the College in ensuring that it is ready for the return of students to campuses to resume with their studies without having doubts or fear of getting infected.
Ms Manzini also promised that her Department will provide the necessary support to the College to ensure that students are safe.