The amended regulations on the reopening of schools to address, prevent, and limit the spread of Covid-19 in South Africa were published late last night by the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga.
This effectively left learners, teachers and parents in a 10-day period of limbo, and matric learners did not know whether they should return to school this week.
The announcement by the President to allow for a 3-week break for most learners was made on the 23rd of July. No further communication followed.
MPP Lorraine Botha says: “We understand that the decision was taken to limit the spread at schools and we are in support of the effort to keep learners and staff safe.
However, it is with dismay that we note the delay of the official communication but even more alarmingly, the apparent lack of detail around the rest of the academic year. We are rapidly running out of time left to implement the remainder of curriculum and have no guidance from the department of how to do so.”
The 3-week break currently underway has altered the existing plans that many schools have worked hard on since May this year, when the first announcement regarding the reopening school was made.
MPP Lorraine Botha adds: “At the time of the President’s announcement on the 23rd of last month, he committed that the national minister would table a plan for the remainder of the academic year. We are still waiting.
I call on the national Minister Motshekga and the President to no further delay the plan on how we will roll-out the rest of the academic year. Paperwork and cabinet indecision can never be the reason learners’ futures are put on hold.”
Grade 12 learners, Schools of Skills (Year 4) and most SMTs are expected to return to school this week. Grade 7 learners and their educators are expected back on the 11th of August.
The DA in the Western Cape will ensure that every learner receives their right to education and will use every tool at its disposal to ensure that quality education is uncompromised.
