File
Nelson Mandela University management has suspended lectures until Friday due to the power outages that had a major impact on its Summerstrand campuses.
NMU said in a statement that it was aware of the huge challenges staff and students are facing, in terms of the academic and other operations at the institution.
However, it said work-integrated learning, school-based Learning, and experiential learning will continue.
NMU said students were encouraged to contact their academic departments for more information while students are being urged to use this time to catch up with their studies.
“The leadership team is in consultation with the Registrar and Deanery to assess the impact of the suspension of lectures on the academic calendar.
“Meanwhile, libraries, laboratories, and other facilities will remain open,” the emergency management team said.
The University has also postponed the Learning and Teaching Week, which requires the full participation of students and academics.
“Academics should consult their line managers, regarding the Guideline protocols in terms of emergencies.
“The University will re-assess the situation on Thursday and will communicate accordingly,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality said work is continuing speedily to restore power to the area after gale-force winds were blamed for blowing down four electric pylons which were already compromised by rust and corrosion and which would take weeks to repair.
In an update, NMB said a contractor has successfully planted and assembled all 52 required wooden poles.
"The Eskom team has completed restringing conductors on one section towards Summerstrand and removed one circuit from the lattice steel structure into a new wooden pole structure.
"Additionally, the transformer at the South End substation has been energised and is currently undergoing a load test from 19:00 to 21:00. Following this test, an official load reduction schedule is provided.
"We appeal to residents to be patient and use essentials as power is still unstable because of demand," NMB said.
