Back to school on 1 June
Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, last night announced that schools are to reopen on 1 June, saying she is following advice from leading world experts in this regard.
Western Cape Education Minister Debbie Schäfer welcomed the announcement that Grade 7s and 12s will return to school.
"It has been extremely difficult for the WCED to make preparations without a final approved date. Nevertheless, we have been doing a lot of work in preparation, which I shall outline in more detail from tomorrow."
Schäfer said there are still details to be worked out, but this shall be done with the DBE in the coming days. "We are also very pleased that the National School Nutrition Programme will commence when schools reopen."
Motshekga said the safety of learners and teachers is of utmost importance. They will follow the preconditions which are essential for schools to open, such as the provision of water to all schools. Learners will also be screened on a daily basis, and parents are asked to inform them if their child has any underlying conditions like asthma. She explained that vandalism is the reason why some schools have not received all their safety material or cleaning products. Products will be delivered to schools just before learners and teachers go back.
The department will also provide two masks per learner. All teachers are to return to school as classes will probably be split, creating a need for more teachers to cover those classes. Motshekga said she understands the worry and frustration of parents who do not want to send their children back to school. "Their fears are understandable. So yes, they can keep their children at home, but then apply for homeschooling. It is every child's right to be schooled till age 15." A revised school calendar will be gazetted soon.
The curriculum for Grade 12s cannot be trimmed as with other grades and they will have to catch up with lost work as their end of year paper has already been drawn up.
"When they will write will be made clear in time," she added.
Mothshekga said she will count on independent monitors to help verify information and handle challenges at schools. There will be a channel for principals to communicate with the department regarding challenges.