By: Zethu Gweva
The National Department Basic of Education has postponed the reopening of school for Grade 7s and matrics until the eight of June.
According to the Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, the decision to postpone the reopening of schools was taken on Saturday evening to use this week to mop up. She added that some schools, however, were ready.
“I confirm that there are some schools that were not ready. Critical to the opening of schools remains absolute compliance with all health and safety measures as said by the Department of Health. We are expecting teachers at schools today if there are required PPEs,” said Motshekga
She conveyed that there will be permits issued to teachers who need to travel via provinces and a certificate will be issued to learners for day to day travels. The person transporting learners to school must also have a permit.
Motshekga said teachers and support staff should be inducted before learners can be welcomed into the school. All extramural activities at schools to remain suspended.
In addition, she said hopefully things will be ready for next week.
“Any further delay poses a serious threat to the system and learners. Learners will be highly disadvantaged if we continue to postpone,” said Motsega.
She said says screening of symptoms must be done at all schools on a daily basis according to the Department of Health guidelines.
Motshekga said a parent who is still anxious must apply for exemption and they can apply for home education, if it’s reasons not accepted by the principal and basic education is compulsory by law, they must apply for homeschooling.
One of the parents Ayanda Ngali said the uncertainty on the safety of children is worrisome especially when the Minister postponed the reopening the day before the opening. She said she fears that this will add more numbers to the already increasing stats of people infected in South Africa.
“My child goes to a boarding school and I am glad I followed my gut and did not take her, seeing that we were told last minute that the reopening has been postponed. I would have travelled all the way to Durban from East London,” she said.
The Grade 12 learner Sibusiso Ngali said he was scared of going back to school because of the virus. He said as a matriculant it will be more difficult for them as they will to study under pressure for the exams and tests.
“Catching up with all the lost work will be a challenge for us as we have a lot to catch up on. I am worried about the sleepless night of studying and still be worried about contracting the virus,” he said.