Rhodes University students may be required to have themselves vaccinated against Covid-19 before returning to in-person classes after the university council approved a senate recommendation for mandatory vaccinations.

The rule will require evidence of Covid-19 vaccination by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) as a condition for access to the campus in 2022.

"Based on an analysis of the law and information drawn from the higher education sector, it was submitted that having assessed risks, Rhodes University has a responsibility to ensure that employees and students are protected and that all the necessary precautionary measures are in place," the council said in a statement.

The special meeting of the council was convened as the university prepared for the full return of students and staff in 2022.

The vaccination requirement also applies as a registration condition for all students as well as staff, service providers and visitors.

"A recommendation for an exemption application process and an alternative health status process for those who cannot take the vaccine on medical or other legitimate and justifiable grounds was also approved. The university is considering the team who will evaluate all applications for exemption," the statement read.

"Where such applications are successful, the university will consider steps to mitigate risk, including the requirement to produce a negative Covid-19 test result on a weekly basis. This would be at the cost of the student, staff member, visitor or service provider concerned in specific circumstances," the statement read.

Besides the requirement for digital vaccination certificates or vaccination cards upon entering campus, workers will be allowed to take paid time off to get vaccinated.

Sick leave will also be permitted if someone experiences side effects associated with the vaccine, the statement indicated.

Rhodes announced the move shortly after the University of Cape Town (UCT) council approved in principle a proposal to make Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for campus access.

It requires that all staff and students provide acceptable proof of vaccination against Covid-19. The UCT council sat over the weekend to deliberate the move after weeks of engagements with staff and students.