Schools urged to refrain from opening prematurely
Until such date and schedules are determined, all schools, including independent schools, must remain closed
The Department of Basic Education has warned all schools against the premature reopening of schools.
According to spokesperson for Department of Basic Education Elijah Mhlanga, some independent (or private) and public schools are already preparing to reopen much earlier and even receive learners ahead of the schedule announced by minister Angie Motshekga.
“In some schools, teachers have already been reporting for duty and parents’ meetings have been held where plans were announced to have learners back in school in May,” said Mhlanga.
“The premature reopening of schools is not permitted as the department is still finalising Covid-19 school compliance protocols. The uniform standards will be applicable in schools as part of the measures put in place to protect learners and teachers, reduce infection and save the academic year.
“Regulations were published on April 29 in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002) which listed education services under Alert Level Four Table 1. Q. as permitted on a date and schedule yet to be announced to direct when schools may reopen during alert level four.
“Until such date and schedules are determined, all schools, including independent schools, must remain closed. The minister has already indicated how she intends to have schools reopening and until a final decision is made no school may proceed to open and receive learners.
“Motshekga announced that office-based workers would gradually return to work from May 4, school management teams to go back on May 11 and teachers on May 18. The proposed date for the gradual return of learners is June 1. The minister will next week return to the National Coronavirus Command Council to present an enhanced recovery plan for the basic education based on inputs and feedback received thus far.”
