NATIONAL NEWS - “The move is aimed to avoid any interruptions to assessment processes should there be a recurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Unisa spokesperson Tommy Huma.
The university moved all its assessments to an online platform as from May 2020.
Huma said this move to online assessments was aligned with the university’s strategic goals.
As a result of the lockdown, Unisa suspended venue-based examinations and introduced online examinations.
“Invigilators were duly informed their services would not be required for the examinations in question.”
He said the university would approach the department of labour to request that UIF Ters compensation to the invigilators could be released.
He said October/November salaries would be paid by Unisa to the invigilators based on a fair and equitable formula.
“The university would like to extend its sincere apologies to the affected parties and looks forward to further engagement on the matter to find common ground.”
The move comes as South Africa’s unemployment rate jumped to 30.8%.
Huma said the university acknowledged this increase and was concerned about this trend.
“Unisa is committed to making a contribution towards job creation,” he said.
“Independent contracts are, by their nature short term, and sometimes seasonal arrangements. Parties enter into this arrangement mindful of this fact.”
He said the discontinuation of independent contractors’ services was the university’s response to the changes in its assessment processes, given its nature as an open distance- and e-learning institution.
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