MBOMBELA – The spokesperson for the department, Jasper Zwane, said they were grateful for the support the department had received from labour formations and civil society on the matter of full-time attendance of learners, and appreciated the role played by parents and teachers to ensure that teaching and learning were delivered.

“The department is receiving reports from schools on learner turnout in this regard, and we will assess those reports and respond accordingly. Parents must work with school management to endure a smooth return to the schools,” he said.

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On the issue of overcrowding schools, the minister of basic education, Angie Motshekga, said they were aware of school infrastructure and the feasibility of accommodating all pupils under the current circumstances.

“The overcrowding was a problem way before Covid-19. We are presently in talks with the National Treasury to resolve these matters, taking into consideration that these challenges came before Covid-19,” said Motshekga.

Meanwhile, parents and learners welcomed the full-time return to school, as they felt the rotation was not doing justice for them.

A grade 10 learner, Samkelo Maseko of Mshadza, said going back to school every day will bring back her focus.

“The rotation classes were making me lose focus, because studying at home is very difficult due to so many distractions. I believe I will perform better,” she said.

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Ntando Khumalo said she welcomed the decision as she was forced to hire someone to look after her four children when they were not going to school. “The returning to school full-time came at the right time,” she said.