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On Tuesday evening the Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga confirmed that Grade 7 and 12 learners will be the first groups to start school on 1 June.
Motshekga says cabinet and the National Command Council have all approved the decision. The new school calendar will soon be gazetted.
“We are confident that the reopening of schools across provinces will happen as outlined in the protocol that has been developed,” the minister said on Tuesday. She says PPE and other hygienic equipment will reportedly be issued to school staff as from 25 May.
The department says major issues that have affected the reopening, include service delivery problems and identifying pupils with pre-existing conditions.
Key Points from the Minister’s Briefing:
- Parents can apply for homeschooling – Parents choosing this option has to ensure they register with the relevant organisations
- New school calendar – The school calendar has changed and the new dates for opening and closing, as well as breaks, will be gazetted
- Special schools – We are working with organisations who are leaders in that sector and they are advising us on the best way forward regarding the phased approach of special schools
- Screening – Learners will be screened daily
- Declare underlying conditions – Before sending kids to school parents are required to declare any underlying conditions
- School transportation – The department is working with the Department of Transport to ensure safety protocols are adhered to in school transportation.
Motshekga said the department met with teacher unions and school governing associations that included the principals association to consult and update them on the department’s plans.
