The Department of Basic Education (DBE) had recently announced that public schools are scheduled to start the 2021 academic year on January 27.
However, as the department prepares to begin the new academic year, there are reports that some parents have raised concerns over the reopening in the midst of a second wave of Covid-19 high rate of infections.
The Advertiser approached DBE to check if its plans are still on track for the reopening of schools when the academic year commences on the planned date, if it is confident that schools will be ready to open safely on the day and if it has received any request to delay the reopening of schools.
In his response, DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga did not directly answer our questions. Instead he said there will be a briefing soon, saying all our questions will be answered during the meeting. He said the date for the meeting will be announced beforehand.
Delayed
Meanwhile, independent schools have decided to delay opening for 2021.
Independent schools were initially scheduled to reopen from January 12 or 13, but due to the second wave of Covid-19 infections in South Africa, Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) recommended its members postpone their reopening.
In an interview with Newzroom Africa, ISASA executive director Lebogang Montjane said the association decided to provisionally move the reopening to January 18, depending on what President Cyril Ramaphosa announces regarding level three lockdown on January 15.
The Advertiser, however, understands that Woodlands International College in Boksburg kicked off its 2021 academic year today, January 13.
Meanwhile, St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls and Christians Brothers’ College told this publication that their schools have heeded the call to delay the reopening, saying their schools will commence the 2021 academic year on January 18.
It’s, however, still unclear if schools will continue to implement rotating attendance system, and which grades will be the first to return to school.
DA against possible delay
On the other hand, the DA said, in a statement issued on January 11, it opposes possible delay in public school reopening and called for teacher vaccination to be prioritised.
Baxolile “Bax” Nodada, MP – DA shadow minister of Basic Education, said the party calls on the minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, to provide clarity on reports doing the rounds that the government is considering pushing the reopening of schools to mid-February rather than the originally scheduled date.
“We do not support such a delay as this will likely do more harm than good and will only lead to schools being subjected to the same chaos they were subjected to during the 2020 academic year,” said Nodada.
The party said it recognises that South Africa is well within its second wave of the pandemic and it strongly believes the opening of schools should not compromise the health of learners and teachers.
“It is for this reason the DA calls for educators to be classified as essential frontline workers in order for them to be prioritised after health-care workers and at-risk civilians for the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Vaccination is the only way out of this Covid-19 nightmare, and teachers are essential frontline workers who must be prioritised. The DA believes this is a vital step in protecting our schools.
“The DBE must therefore prioritise a clear plan for a vaccination rollout not only for teachers but learners as well.”
The DA said while we await the vaccination process, it is critical that the DBE communicates clearly on regulations that stipulate the exact conditions under which schools can safely open on January 27.
Regulations the party said need to be considered include:
• The proper implementation of social distancing protocols at schools.
• Access to safe PPE, clean water and proper sanitation.
• An emergency health plan at all schools in response to positive cases.
• Clear plans for those teachers or learners who suffer from comorbidities.
The party said any school that does not meet these regulations should work closely with the DBE to ensure the necessary equipment needed to comply with the regulations is provided speedily for a safe reopening.
Adverse consequences
According to the DA, any delay in reopening schools could have adverse consequences on learners, particularly those from poorer, less-resourced communities where access to online learning is simply not possible.
“Many parents are returning to work this week as industries begin to reopen following the December break. Parents need the assurance that schools will reopen to provide their children with safety and security while they are at work. Not only this, many children depend on schools to provide daily meals via the school nutrition programme.
“Schools simply must open as planned as further delays could be catastrophic to vulnerable children. Disruptions to the 2021 academic year can have serious effects on learners’ development and ability to later access economic and employment opportunities.
Also Read: Covid-19 hits Freeway Park Primary School
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