Posted: 24 March 2022
Dear Students and delegates
By entering the GIBS Campus, you confirm that:
- You have been vaccinated, or are in a possession of a valid PCR test not older than 72 hours at the time of visiting.
- You do not exhibit any symptoms of Covid-19:
- Fever,
- Sore throat or pain when swallowing,
- A cough,
- Feeling of breathlessness or difficulty breathing, and
- Changes in the ability to taste or smell.
Please fulfill all mask, hygiene, and social distancing protocols while on campus.
Professor Morris Mthombeni
Interim Dean
The University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science
Posted: 14 December 2021
Dear Students
As per previous communication, we had hoped to start the 2022 academic year on campus in January. Unfortunately owing to the current COVID-19 4th wave, we have had to reconsider our plans.
The current situation is that, while restrictions have not as yet been amended, should any class member test positive after attending class on campus, the entire class will have to go into self-quarantine in terms of NICD requirements. With a test positivity rate currently running at around 30%, and continued uncertainty as to the progression of the wave, it is almost inevitable that this will occur,
This scenario would entail substantial disruption, not only for classes and learning, but for all of you in your professional and personal lives. Therefore, and in order to exercise an abundance of caution for everyone's health and wellbeing, we have decided to commence the 2022 academic year online, for at least the month of January. Having taught online for the past two years, we are very well equipped to do so, and confident that your learning experience will be at the excellent GIBS standard that you expect. Your programme management team will be in touch to confirm arrangements.
As soon as COVID-conditions allow, we will make arrangements to return to class on campus. We will give due notice of such arrangements.
Thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate pandemic conditions.
With best wishes for a safe and happy holiday period, for you and your loved ones,
Louise Whittaker Interim Deputy Dean
Executive Director: Academic Programmes
Posted: 30 November 2021
Dear GIBS Students
I am confident you will have seen the media and other reports of Omicron, the latest Covid co-variant. Nothing focuses the mind quite like the President calling an urgent 'family meeting' on a Sunday night. At present the lockdown levels remain unchanged as the threat or otherwise of the variant is determined.
The campus, including the Info Centre and Mookana, remains open and programme arrangements for 2022 (as laid out in my letter dated 25 November) remain unchanged. Should there be any amendment to these arrangements as a result of changes to lockdown levels or further developments in the 4th wave, I will be in touch.
It is worth taking a leaf out of the President's book and reinforcing the precautions required to avoid being infected by the Covid virus.
- Get vaccinated. Encourage all those with whom you are in contact, to also get vaccinated.
- Ensure there is good air quality whenever you are in the company of others. Ideally, meet outside, and if you need to congregate inside, do so in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear your mask whenever you are out. Wear it correctly over both your nose and mouth.
- Keep social distance. No exceptions.
- Wash your hands regularly. Alternatively, sanitise.
- Avoid events involving large numbers of people ('super spreader events'), especially indoors. If possible, limit contact outside your 'family bubble'.
A reminder of precautions specific to the GIBS Campus:
- GIBS requires everyone on campus to either be vaccinated, provide a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old, or supply a doctor's note indicating they have recently had Covid and therefore cannot be vaccinated at this point.
- Everyone is to complete the Higher Health App prior to coming onto campus.
- All student access is managed via Access@gibs.co.za.
- All classrooms and venues will be utilised at before 50% capacity.
- Buffet-style lunches are being served, with suitable sanitation before and after serving.
May I strongly urge you, should you be feeling unwell in any way at all, not to come onto campus, for the health and safety of the GIBS community.
These remain difficult times. Stay strong, stay vigilant. We will get through this together.
Prof Louise Whittaker
Executive Director: Academic Programmes
Interim Deputy Dean
The University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science
Posted: 1 October 2021
Dear GIBS Students
As the third wave abates and the lockdown level eases, we look forward to your return to the GIBS campus. We continue to proceed with an abundance of caution to ensure our learning environment is compliant with all COVID-19 protocols and as safe as possible.
In line with Consolidated Direction on Occupational Health and Safety Measures in Certain Workplaces (Regulation 4(10) of the national disaster regulation), that was issued by the Department of Labour in May 2021, all GIBS staff and service providers are required to have had at least one vaccination before being permitted onto campus. Those who have not had such a vaccination are required to provide a negative PCR test before every visit. This not only demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our people are safe from the risks of COVID-19, but also offers assurances to you as our students that we have done everything possible to ensure your safety.
The results of the student survey conducted this week show that most students are happy to return to campus. More than 75% of both the staff and student bodies have already had at least one vaccination.
In accordance with our commitment to safety and the student survey results, from 15 October, students wishing to attend class on campus will be required to present a vaccination card (showing at least one vaccination) upon entry. For those who are not vaccinated because they have recently had COVID-19 and who wish to attend classes in person, a doctor’s exemption certificate may be shown. Students who are not vaccinated and without such a certificate will be required to show a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result.
For students who do not wish to fulfill these requirements, or despite the precautions outlined here, still feel reluctant to attend classes on campus, hybrid teaching will continue for the rest of 2021.
MBA Students who elected to attend the on-campus activation for the Global Module, but will now choose not to attend, will be credited with the cost of R545 into their GIBS account, provided they notify Shirlene Smits by the 8th October 2021.
All other protocols remain unchanged:
Students will still be required to complete a Higher Health wellbeing assessment and present confirmation that they are low risk to the GIBS Health Ambassadors stationed at campus entrances.
To apply for access outside of class attendance, contact access@gibs.co.za
All syndicate and meeting rooms have the maximum capacity posted at their entrances to ensure that occupants can maintain appropriate social distancing.
Masks are mandatory at all times on campus. Please ensure your mask covers your entire nose and mouth at all times.
Please conform rigorously to all safety protocols - not only for your safety but other's protection as well.
Stay safe.
Dr Morris Mthombeni
Interim Dean
The University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science
Posted: 10 September 2021
South Africa has now moved out of the third wave of Covid 19, with case numbers, especially in Gauteng, dropping substantially. Many within the GIBS community have now received vaccinations.
As a consequence we have amended our on-campus policies:
- The GIBS information centre and Mookana Grab and Go are now open.
- Third parties are now permitted on campus.
- Where students require access to campus to attend lectures or access WiFi, such access continues to be strictly controlled. All visitors will still be required to complete a Higher Health wellbeing assessment and present confirmation that they are low risk, to the GIBS Health Ambassadors stationed at campus entrances.
To apply for access, contact access@gibs.co.za - All syndicate and meeting rooms have the maximum capacity posted at their entrances to ensure that occupants can maintain appropriate social distancing.
- Masks are mandatory at all times on campus. Please ensure your mask covers your entire nose and mouth at all times.
- GIBS staff continue to work from home for the majority of the working week. In the instance where staff work on campus, they are required to have been vaccinated or provide a valid negative Covid 19 PCR test as well as complete the Higher Health wellbeing assessment each time they enter campus.
Please conform rigorously to all safety protocols - not only your safety but other's protection as well.
Stay safe.
Dr Morris Mthombeni
Interim Dean
The University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science
Posted: 17 June 2021
South Africa has now entered the third wave of Covid 19, with case numbers, especially in Gauteng, increasing dramatically. While the official lockdown level has not yet been adjusted, we need to act quickly and with an abundance of caution to protect the health and wellbeing of our students, faculty, staff and the broader GIBS community. To this end, and in line with the University of Pretoria's approach, we are instituting the following measures:
I strongly discourage anyone from coming to campus unless absolutely necessary, as it increases the risk of transmission. It appears that the later Covid variants are particularly contagious. For those for whom it is absolutely critical to come to campus, please conform rigorously to all safety protocols - not only your safety but other's protection as well.
Now more than ever, we need to remain vigilant and not be complacent. Stay safe.
