Effects of virus on education evident

DEPARTMENT of Basic Education (DBE) acting director-general, Granville Whittle, said provinces would on a weekly basis have to report on their progress in complying with health protocols to minimise the spread of Covid-19 in schools.

The department yesterday briefed the portfolio committee on basic education on the status of school readiness amid the third wave.

Last week it was gazetted that primary school learners must return to school daily as of 26 July 26, the beginning of the third term.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday that the provinces of the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Gauteng have reached the threshold of a third wave of infections. He also indicated that the proportion of Covid-19 tests that are positive has more than doubled in the last month from around 4% to more than 11%.

Whittle said key issues that are likely to compromise compliance with health protocols have been identified and these include adequate water; basic sanitation and hygiene packages; the number of infrared thermometers; and learner transport.

The committee also heard that 54% of contact time was lost for primary schools and 53% for high schools during the 2020 academic year when the pandemic hit the country.

Professor Martin Gustafsson, a researcher and adviser to the department, told the committee that during the 2020 academic year, the percentage of contact time lost stood at 54% for primary schools and 53% at secondary schools.

Gustafsson added that teacher mortality is an indicator of general anxiety experienced by teachers, which would have affected teaching. Critically, secondary-level teachers appear to face no higher risks than primary level teachers, despite secondary learners being potentially more infectious.

“The secretary-general of the United Nations has referred to the Covid-19-related learning losses as a ‘generational catastrophe’. Very serious effects on future educational attainment rates, employment and earnings have been modelled and quantified.

“The pandemic serves as a reminder of the importance of national systems to monitor learning gains. In particular, the new sample-based Systemic Evaluation being developed by the DBE with local and international technical expertise will prove extremely valuable,” said Gustafsson.

Dr Faith Kumalo, acting chief director at the department, said that during the rising infection levels and third wave of the pandemic it is mandatory for principals to report positive Covid19 cases. Support services will also be provided to those dealing with anxiety, fear or stress.

Minister Angie Motshekga said that on the issue of teacher vaccinations, the Health Department works closely with her department.

“There is commitment to vaccinate as many teachers as possible, as soon as possible. We cannot confirm a date yet.”

Motshekga also noted that the effects of the 2020 academic year will be felt for the next 10 years.