Vaccination push in schools

The Department of Basic Education will be encouraging all learners, aged 12 and older, to get vaccinated.

Speaking at a media briefing on school readiness for the 2022 academic year, Minister Angie Motsheka, said that while the DBE was unable to run a vaccination programme in schools last year, they have partnered with the Department of Health to increase the number of jabs being given to those who are eligible.

“We have agreed to prioritise an advocacy campaign, to encourage eligible people, both adults and learners of eligible age, to go get their jabs,” she added.

While stressing that vaccinations remained voluntary, the minister urged people to get a jab to allow schooling in the country to get back to normal.

“In 2021 we recorded a significant decline in the number of schools that were closed and reopened due to Covid-19,” Motsheka said. “This can be attributed in part, to the successful vaccination programme of education personnel from June 2021.

“Another important factor that has contributed to the relative stability in the Sector, is the adherence to Covid-19 health and safety protocols. We applaud our schools for doing all they can to ensure that protocols are observed at all times. We expect that the same will apply this year, as we intensify the implementation of our recovery programme.”

The minister said schools would continue to use rotational time-tabling, especially in schools where social distancing wasn’t possible.

“Covid-19 is very much still with us and we need to continue to work together to fight it,” Motsheka added.