Most disagree with Angie

Government will have to recognise the majority opinion on closing schools as it has been losing support during the Covid-19 pandemic, researchers say.

The results of a survey done by researchers from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the Human Sciences Research Council have been startling, with 60.4% of adults not in favour of schools reopening in the current climate.

This comes on the back of teachers’ unions demanding that schools close until the peak of the pandemic has passed – and Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga sticking to her guns that the academic year should be salvaged and all children should return to school as soon as possible.

Government is due to make an announcement on the situation soon.

According to Professor Kate Alexander, South African research chair in social change at UJ, it is clear that the majority of people in South Africa want schools to close for all pupils.

The survey’s findings will come as a blow to the government.

“It may want to reconsider its present policy,” Alexander said.

“The government is losing support [amidst the Covid-19 pandemic], which it can’t afford in the current health crisis.

“People are very worried about the situation.”

The results of the survey are representative at a national level, having been weighted by race, age and educational level.

There are also some large differences when the findings are cross-tabulated with party allegiance, the researchers said.

Democratic Alliance supporters are more likely to agree with reopening of schools for all grades, followed by the ANC and then the Economic Freedom Fighters.

“This may reflect income differences among the parties’ potential voters. Nevertheless a majority from all three parties was opposed to schools reopening.”

Judging by their responses to the survey, people value lives over education.