Article by: Tebogo Lesoro (Editor)
The Department of Basic Education has announced that schools opening will be delayed by two weeks. The decision comes after a series of calls by Cosatu, and other stakeholders citing the second wave of covid-19.
The National Coronavirus Command Council had earlier during the week consulted with various stakeholders regarding the readiness of schools to welcome pupils. A decision was taken to then delay the opening of schools by two weeks. The Education sector groups met with the Department of Basic Education on Wednesday night 13 January, when the decision by the NCCC was communicated to them.
Deputy Basic Education Minister Reginah Mhaule said that the Council of Education Ministers together with Cabinet had taken a decision to postpone the reopening of schools for both private and public schools. The Schools Management Team (SMT) will report to work on the 25th of January 2021 to prepare schools, while teachers will report to work on the 1st February. Learners are expected to starting with their classes on the 15th of February 2021.