NKANGALA – The Basic Education Department has warned all schools on reopening prematurely as the Department is still finalising Covid-19 school compliance protocols.
The government is clear on the position pointing out that until a final decision has been made, no school may open and receive learners. All schools have been warned against reopening prematurely. The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, said she has become aware that some independent and public schools are already preparing to reopen much earlier, and even receive learners ahead of the schedule.
From 4 May, office-based workers could return to work gradually; school management teams would be allowed to return to their schools on 11 May; and teachers would follow on 18 May. The proposed date for the gradual return of learners is 1 June.
“The premature reopening of schools is not permitted, as the department is still finalising Covid-19 school compliance protocols. The uniform standards will be applicable in all schools as part of the measures put in place to protect learners and teachers, reduce infection and save the academic year,” read the statement.
According to the department, regulations were published on 29 April in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, which listed education services under Alert Level 4 Table 1. Q. as permitted on a date and schedule yet to be announced, to direct when schools may reopen during Alert Level 4. Until such date and schedule are determined, all schools, including independent schools, must remain closed.
Schools in the Nkangala Region should familiarise themselves with the regulations and directives to ensure compliance as reiterated by the Director-General of Basic Education, Mathanzima Mweli. As the department gets into gear to prepare for the announcement for schools to open, a screen and training exercise had been planned by the Basic Education Department in Victor Khanye on 12 May for all school principals from both public and private schools.
Unfortunately, the event was cancelled as the venue was not sanitized. The exercise screening and training of the school-heads will be conducted in due course. Victor Khanye has no recorded cases of Covid-19 infections according to the recent statistics released by Health MEC, Sasekani Manzini.
