The University of the Free State (UFS) has confirmed that its Covid-19 vaccination policy and the regulations in relation to this were effective from Monday (14/02).
This came after the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein struck off the roll an urgent application by Free State for Choice (FS4C) for an interim interdict to stop the university from implementing the policy.
This matter was heard on Friday, with the court finding no urgency in the application brought by the FS4C, seeing that no proof had been offered by the organisation that it should be heard as an urgent matter.
The outcome in favour of the UFS means that in order to gain access to campus its staff, students and visitors will be required to either be vaccinated, upload a negative Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test no older than a week on the campus access system if they are not vaccinated, or have an approved deferral or exemption.
“Although the university’s management respects the outcome and decision of the court, the UFS was never of the view that the implementation of the policy should be set aside,” confirmed the UFS management in a statement.
“The university’s management remains of the view that the implementation of the policy is consistent with its prerogative and obligation to maintain a safe working and learning environment for its staff, students and visitors.”
The council of the UFS announced in November 2021 it had considered and approved a vaccination policy for the institution during its meeting held in the same month.
Prof. Francis Petersen, UFS rector and vice-chancellor, said that the decision had been at aimed ensuring a safe and caring environment and to meet the health and safety obligations on its campuses.
He added that the policy implied that the university did not force anyone to be vaccinated.
“But the institution has the right to require vaccination if you want to access its premises, in order to protect our staff and students.”
