Parents can decide not to send their children back to school

Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga gave an update on preparations for the re-opening of schools tonight, 19 May.

After many concerns were raised by parents on sending their children back to school, it was said that parents may decide to keep their children home. The Department of Education, however, made it clear that the parents of these children must register them for home schooling.

Should parents decide to remove their children from school and to have them subsequently repeat the grade in 2021, they will need to re-apply for space at a school for that year.

Water and sanitation:

Motshekga acknowledged that the Department had a poor record when it came to water and sanitation. However, she assured the public that due to this pandemic they suspended renovations and building of new schools, allowing them to focus on sanitation. The Department is equally concerned for the safety of the children; therefore they are working with the Department of Health, as well as researchers, who are monitoring international trends with relation to Covid-19.

Screening:

All children and school staff will be screened daily. The province of Gauteng has mobilised young members of the community to assist with screening. Other provinces have extended the assistance of public workers in this regard.

Underlying conditions:

The Department of Health urges all parents to declare any underlying health conditions their children may have to their schools. Each case will be dealt with individually in order to ensure the safety of these children.

Private and special needs schools:

Private and special needs schools, which may have a smaller student bodies than public schools, will be given different time frames for phasing in and returning to schools. Motshekga stated that each sector has different challenges and these will be dealt with accordingly.

Schools are good for children:

Motshekga stated that schools are good for children. Children have been away from school for two months with no structure in their daily lives, something that school affords them.

She said the longer marginalised children are away from school, the less likely they are to return. This could lead to an increased risk of teenage pregnancy, sexual exploitation, violence and other threats.

Matric:

The matric curriculum cannot be shortened, thus, these learners need to return to school first. Dates for the final matric examination will be announced at a later stage.

Younger children:

Many parents have been concerned about sending their younger children back to school. Motshekga stated that “studies have shown we have had no deaths of children between 0 and 9 years old, making them one of the safest age groups. International countries have opted to phase in younger children first when re-opening schools.

Learners crossing borders:

Many learners cross the borders daily to and from school. When asked about this, Motshekga said this situation is currently being dealt with by the Department of Home Affairs and a decision in this regard will be announced soon.

Safety of teachers returning to school on 25 May:

Studies have shown that Covid-19 survives for 8 hours on a surface, thus, Motshekga stated when schools reopen for teachers there will be no risk of contamination. Classrooms in all schools will be sanitised before teachers return and schools will be sanitised on a daily basis.

Motshekga assured parents that the Department of Health will make sure that children will not be placed in danger when returning to school because “they are the future”.

“The department will focus on the specific needs of schools accordingly. We are really not planning on harming anyone’s life or putting anyone in danger. We are trying our best to ensure everyone is protected,” Motshekga stated.

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