With the disruption of the academic curriculum by the Covid-19 virus, learners could see a year without June school holidays.
In a press briefing on March 25 Gauteng MEC for education and youth development, Panyaza Lesufi, said labour-led negotiations are being held with education stakeholders, labour union and the Department of Education to scrap the June holidays.
If the negotiations are successful the academic year will run continuously for the remainder of the year.
The cancellation of the school holidays forms part of a catch-up programme which also includes.
• Saturday and afternoon lessons.
• School camps during the September break.
• Additional support for walk-in learners who feel they need extra assistance.
Learning from home
Besides implementing catch-up programmes, the department has finalised agreements with broadcasting service providers.
The agreement will see two channels on DSTV be used to teach learners while the department’s curriculum will be placed on Telkom and Vodacom’s platforms free of charge.
The educational television channels will launch in April and cover all subjects
Lesufi said because some learners do not have access to television educational lessons will be provided for Grade 12 learners on several SABC, regional and community radio stations.
The lessons set to be held between April 1 and April 16 will cover subjects such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, mathematics literacy, economics, business studies, tourism, English, English first additional language, accounting, history and geography.
Vulnerable groups in Gauteng
Lesufi highlighted that 235 food distribution centres across the province will assist communities living in informal settlements and areas where there will be no economic activity.
“These centres are already distributing, but we hope to amplify the distribution, so instead of a weeks’ worth of groceries a month’s worth will be provided.”
Lesufi emphasised that the provincial government will continue to support children and other vulnerable groups.
Lesufi said learners who rely on school nutrition programmes will still receive food.
He said dignity packs which female learners rely on will continue to be provided.
Besides basic toiletries such as facecloths and dental hygiene equipment, face masks, gloves and hand sanitiser will be included.
The third group of children are those who are ill at home.
“We will be using the already established 3 800 community development workers to deliver groceries and any other resources to them.
“Twenty-four shelters for abused women will be established as the possibility of domestic violence and fights is high during the 21-day lockdown.”
“Those who make use of the centres will be provided with food and dignity packs.”
Soup kitchens and NGOs
Lesufi said soup kitchens which provide meals to those living on the street will continue to do so.
Instead of having sit-down meals the soup kitchens will provide takeaway meals.
Additional afternoon sessions may be introduced depending on demand.
“We have been inundated with request from NGOs who want to assist during this time.”
A central warehouse has been established that will allow NGOs to send food products to a central point where they will be vetted by health officials before distribution.
“Any community member who feels any member of society or individual is not receiving assistance must call 0800 428 8364.”
Alternatively, emails can be sent to support@gauteng.gov.za.
Assisting the homeless
There are several boarding schools in Gauteng and the provincial government is persuading homeless individuals to relocate to those boarding facilities.
“We will be relocating all willing homeless people into the schools’ boarding facilities.”
Lesufi said the homeless individuals identified reside in four corridors in Gauteng.
The four corridors include Johannesburg, Eastern Gauteng, Northern Gauteng (Tshwane) and Western Gauteng.
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