CET students due back on 17 June

At a media briefing earlier today, Higher Education Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande explained that the CET College system was preparing for the return of students and staff to colleges and community learning centres.

He said the department continues to engage with a variety of stakeholders including labour and churches to strengthen the capacity of the system.

“Guided by the principle to save lives and the academic year, the CET colleges will spend the rest of May 2020 preparing the central offices and the learning centres to be ready for the safe return of staff and students.”

Subject to the readiness of the colleges and centre, the following are the dates for the return of different categories of staff to their workstations:

• 25 May 2020:  Principals, Deputy Principals and Supply Chain Management staff.
• 1 June 2020: Centre managers.
• 8 June 2020: All Lecturers.
• 17 June for students registered for General Education Training Certificate, Senior Certificate as well National Occupational Certificates qualifications or part-qualifications.

The return of Adult Education and Training (AET) levels 1 to 3 students will be synchronised with the return of learners in the lower grades in the public schools.

“In the unfortunate event that some learning sites are located in districts and metros that remain on lockdown level 4 such learning sites shall be closed or remain closed.”

He said affected student registered for General Education and Training Certificate, Senior Certificate, National Occupational Certificates shall only get an opportunity to sit for the examination in May/June 2021 to enable them to complete the 2020 academic year.