The University of Pretoria has prohibitted students from smoking cigarettes on their campus until the nationwide ban on the sale of tobacco products is lifted. The institution made this decision after receiving a notice from the Department of Higher Education reportedly instructing them to do so.
According to an email that was sent to students and staff, smoking is prohibited on all University of Pretoria campuses and facilities until the ban on cigarette ends. Disciplinary action will be handed down to anyone seen smoking on campus.
Under Level 3 regulations the sale of cigarettes are still prohibited and the Department of Education says this should be the case on education campuses as well.
“As we open the University’s campuses and residences for some students and staff to return, it is important to take note of the precautions and regulations that have been put in place in the interest of your health and well-being,” said University of Pretoria spokesperson Rikus Delport.
“In accordance with a notice received from the Department of Higher Education and in line with the directives from the National Command Council, smoking is prohibited on all University of Pretoria campuses and facilities for as long as the ban on the sale of cigarettes is in force.
“Disciplinary steps will be taken against any student or member of staff who is in breach of these regulations. We take the health and well-being of our students and staff seriously and we urge everyone to comply with the precautions that were put in place on the different campuses and in our residences.”
The university encourages others to follow suit with campus-wide cigarette bans until the nationwide ban on the sale of tobacco products and other related products is lifted.
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