Teacher unions on board with schools re-opening

Five teacher unions and school governing body associations gave the Department of Education their support on the re-opening of schools.

This after the unions received reports on Sunday from the department about the Covid-19 compliance of schools and readiness to re-open schools.

In a joint statement several unions conveyed their support for government’s plans.

They are the National Association Teachers Union (Natu), South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu), National Professional Teachers of South Africa (Naptosa), Suid Afrikaanse Onderwysers Unie (Saou), Professional Educators Union (Peu) and Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (Fedsas).

The unions said with the overall school readiness said to be 94%, they consequently supported the call to re-open schools.

Unions, however, said that no school may open that was not Covid-19 compliant.

The unions further urged the government to speed up the delivery of water tanks to schools reported to be still on the waiting list.

“We will closely monitor the promise to complete the outstanding water deliveries, toilets, and additional classes,” the unions said.

“We as a collective of the major stakeholders in education remain committed to seeing that learning resumes in our schools, but wish to caution against overzealous ‘recovery’ plans that further traumatise our teacher and education support workers.

“We call on all our members to heed the call to return to school or alternative accommodation, except where schools are not ready and thus unsafe.”

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