Race to reopen schools
READINESS: MOTSHEKGA OPTIMISTIC DESPITE CRITICAL CONCERNS
Department faces huge challenges and threats to halt learning due to Covid-19.
Delivering a progress report on the reopening of schools and measures put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga maintains sound international evidence persuaded government to act on reopening schools.
Research showed that the longer pupils remained out of school, the more likely they would not return to school, she said.
“The department has taken the necessary hygienic measures in schools. This includes pupils being provided with two cloth masks each, social distancing and sanitisers,” she said.
The department would also look into rotational learning, as more pupils are expected to return to school on 6 July.
Motshekga confirmed Grade 12 exams would start in November as their Grade
12 papers had been prepared.
“We say rather write at a later time than rushed,” Motshekga stressed, as the department continued its efforts to assist matriculants to complete the curriculum.
As the race to reopen schools to have pupils complete their syllabus under challenging Covid-19 new norms continues, the department faces massive challenges, such as schools closing and reopening due to fumigations and schools threatening to shut down due to Covid-19 concerns.
This is exacerbated by unions such as the Educators Union of SA and the National Professional Teachers Organisation of SA calling for education, but not at the expense of pupils’ lives. President of the Teacher’s Organisation of SA, Basil Manuel, said the organisation would not be reckless with children or parents.
“We’re supporting the department, however not at all costs.”
As Motshekga deflected mounting frustrations from teachers, parents and pupils, the reopening of all grades on 6 July has many critics watching closely how the large influx of pupils will turn out.
Teachers in the Western Cape have threatened to shut down schools amid growing Covid-19 concerns.
The number of infections continues to increase, which has resulted in about 30 schools threatening to down tools.
The province, according to locals, is not ready to open schools, as Covid-19 has added more psychological pressure on parents, pupils and teachers.
Pupils in Western Cape said they were terrified of the virus.
Issues such as the reduced number of teachers and frustrated teachers under increased pressure were some of what representatives from Heathfield High School fingered as critical concerns.
The Western Cape department has indicated that they have followed the necessary protocols on ensuring schools were adequately prepared.
Calls in other provinces, such as the Eastern Cape, were also increasing and the education departments were urged to shut down schools due to the spike in infections among pupils and staff.