The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has opted to suspend all its contact classes following the death of another student from COVID-19 related complications.

The university has announced that online teaching and learning will resume.

The student was the second at TUT to succumb to COVID-19 and is believed to have lived on campus.

“We are extremely sad. The staff [and] the students as well. I would like to take this opportunity also to say condolences to the family and convey that message.

A young life lost is devastating to the community, the University, to her friends and family as well, said TUT Spokesperson, Phaphama Tshisikhawe.

“Contact classes have been suspended and starting today actually. It’s not only because of the COVID-19 related death that we are experiencing in the university. It’s mostly because the infections are on a spike”

The decision to suspend physical attendances at TUT also came in light of the current state of COVID-19 students are increasingly contracting the respiratory disease, and it’s only a matter of time before the third wave of infections is declared.

TUT deputy vice-chancellor for teaching, learning and technology Professor Stanley Mukhola, further expressed concern over the growing rate infections and said the students would be given the necessary data to be able to work from home.

“As allowed by the directions of the national framework and criteria for the management of the 2021 academic year in public and private higher education institutions published on March 29, invigilated tests and examinations will continue as scheduled,” Mukhola said.

“Examination and test venue arrangements will be made according to the published regulations and information will be posted at the entrances to campuses.

Students will only be allowed on campus to write tests and once they’re done, they will be required to leave campus immediately