Schools will be ready to open by June, says Education MEC
The South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU), has told its members to not return to work until they are satisfied the schools do not pose a health risk.
SCHOOLS in KwaZulu-Natal will be ready to open by the 1st of June, according to Kwazi Mshengu, MEC for Education. Schools were initially set to open on 11 May for teachers with learners starting on 18 May, but this has been postponed to 1 June.
“We have done this in order to allow the space for the deep cleaning and sanitisation of our schools which is part of the non-negotiables agreed to by all stakeholders in the (education) sector,” said Mshengu.
However, the biggest teacher union in the country, The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU), has told its members to not return to work until they are satisfied the schools do not pose a health risk.
“It is unlawful to expect workers to report for duty when their safety is not guaranteed. SADTU has an obligation to advise members not to put their safety and that of their families and communities in danger by reporting for duty before these safety precautions are in place,” said Xolani Fakude, Sadtu secretariat officer.
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Mshengu said the postponement was also due to a lack of Protective Personal Equipment.
“The demand for PPE’s across the country has meant that it is impossible to get the required stock at the required time. As a result we had to postpone to allow proper delivery and procurement of PPE’s,” he said.
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