Proposal to permanently open schools

SITEKI – There is a proposal to Cabinet to permanently open schools under the prevailing circumstances of COVID- 19.

A source close to the matter confided that this proposal would be tabled by the Ministry of Education and Training to the newlyappointed Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini. The source stated that the proposal sought to address the depression affecting learners during the period of schools’ closure and uncertainty about their future.

“The proposal will be tabled to Cabinet. It will also ensure that even if there are pupils found to have contracted the virus, case tracing be done on their immediate contacts with schools continuing with lessons. If one school records huge numbers of infections, that school has to be closed and the affected pupils be treated and health officials attend to that school,” said the source.

The source further stated that schools operational schedules should continue.

The source added that the ministry was working collectively with that of Education to ensure the approval of the proposal.

“If you can monitor posts on social media particularly on Facebook, this matter is a critical one as people are so angry. I understand that schools were closed due to the prevailing circumstances, but we have to tackle this contentious matter as the ministry is attacked and threatened,” added the source. When called to shed light about this proposal, Minister Mabuza asked not to comment.

“It is not within my jurisdiction to comment on matters that are still yet to be discussed in Cabinet,” she humbly said.