Principals, unions welcome early closure of schools amid spike in infections among pupils

THE early closure of schools has been welcomed by unions and education workers alike, with both sectors saying that with the rise in infections, including among learners of all ages, it was becoming a risky situation.

The move comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday that the country would be moving to alert level 4 amid soaring Covid-19 infections and concerns over the spread of the Delta variant.

Schools would have to start closing from tomorrow.

“We assessed the situation on the ground,” said National Professional

Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) president Nkosiphendule Ntantala.

“As a union, as well as other unions, we agree with the closure because we now realise quite a countable number of schools were experiencing infections, including learners as well. It was becoming a risky situation. However, the number of schooling days remains the same, even though the dates have been adjusted.”

SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) regional chairperson and Golden Grove principal, Dawn Petersen, said it was best that schools were closed at this time.

“Some want a full return, others do not want to send their children. It is best for now for the holiday to be moved forward. The health and welfare of teachers, learners and their families are important.”

She said their learners would be receiving their reports at the start of the third term.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) added that the reopening of primary and special schools at 100% capacity has officially been postponed to an unconfirmed date.

“We are still seeking clarity from the Department of Basic Education as to whether the 1m rule will still apply. Schools are to reopen according to their current temporary revised education plans.

“We understand that this announcement leaves schools with very little time for preparation. Assessments and tasks scheduled for after June 30 will need to be rescheduled for the third term,” WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said.

The National School Nutrition Programme and the May/June National Senior Certificate exams would continue under strict adherence to Covid-19 health and safety protocols.

The usual Winter Vacation Learner Support Programme for Grades 11 and 12, organised by provinces, districts and schools, should continue under very strict conditions in compliance with Covid-19 health and safety protocols.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said that despite school closures, the vaccination of education sector workers would go ahead as planned.

So far, more than 200 000 personnel in the sector have been vaccinated.

KwaZulu-Natal is the leading province, with more than 60 000 people vaccinated.

“The vaccination programme for the basic education sector personnel will proceed as planned. The workers are advised to adhere to their schedules and strictly adhere to Covid-19 protocols, as stipulated in the regulations.

“Schools designated as vaccination sites must remain open to continue with the vaccination programme. It's important that we all work together to complete the vaccinations as soon as possible,” Motshekga said.