PORT ELIZABETH - NMMU GETS GO AHEAD TO RESUME AFTERNOON CLASSES

The following stateement was made via the university's Facebook page:

NMMU Fire Update – Classes to resume this afternoon

Afternoon classes are to resume at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University from 2pm today as the veld fires that affected some of its campuses have been brought under control.

Following a risk assessment made on North, South and Ocean Sciences (CSIR building) campuses, it was deemed safe to proceed with lectures so as to minimise impact on the academic programme.
Lecturers are advised to be considerate of those who may not be able to attend, in particular the residence students who were subject to evacuations in the early hours of this morning.

Further communication will be sent out by the Dean of Teaching and Learning, Prof Cheryl Foxcroft, in due course.

It is believed that the fire started around midnight on the piece of land adjacent to the nature reserve, running along the boundary line and into South Campus.

The strong westerly winds saw the rapid spread of the fire, which came perilously close to the Sanlam Student Village and new science building. Students were evacuated and returned to their rooms once the fire had been extinguished.

Fire fighters continue to monitor the situation for any possible flare-ups.

Investigations as to the cause of the fire are under way. The University will be liaising with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality on improving fire breaks and other preventative measures.
Communication and Stakeholder Liaison