The University of Cape Town (UCT) Senate has voted in favour of a proposed mandatory vaccination policy for staff and students, with 83% voting in support of the policy.
If the proposal is approved, every student will need to receive the jab and will be a condition of registration next year, with students and staff members needing to provide proof of their vaccination, reports IOL.
Voting took place on Wednesday, September 22, with 183 votes in support, 32 against, and five abstentions. The results are expected to be reviewed by the university’s council before a final decision is made, as per News24.
University spokesperson Elijah Moholola said: “The voting process was concluded on Wednesday 22 September, with the outcome being that the motion on mandatory vaccination has been adopted by Senate with 83% of respondents in the ballot indicating support.”
However, Moholola stressed that no final decision has been made regarding mandatory vaccinations.
“UCT emphasises that no decision or position has been taken yet by the university on mandatory vaccination on campus. Any final decision on a matter of policy for the university will have to be a decision of the university council,” Moholola emphasises.
As the university’s highest decision-making body, the council will make the final decision on the proposal if the matter is taken further.
“Council will consider the proposal thoroughly before coming to any decision. UCT will provide further updates on this matter in due course. The university continues to encourage students and staff to get vaccinated.”
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Picture: Cape {town} ETC Gallery