The Council of Education Ministers has decided to suspend all contact sports in schools with immediate effect.
The decision was taken on May 19.
Non-contact sport training in schools can continue provided that all social distancing, hygiene and safety measures are observed and that there is no physical contact between participants during training.
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In 2021, after the reopening of schools and consultations with education stakeholders, the Department of Basic Education gazetted directions allowing non-contact sport, sports-related activities and school-based art and cultural activities to resume without spectators, subject to adherence to safety measures.
Further, on February 12, minister of basic education Angie Motshekga gazetted directions on school sports and extra-mural activities, non-contact sport, sports-related activities and school-based art and cultural activities to resume subject to health and safety protocols. During the last week of term one, school sport activities related to the Covid-19 outbreak in Gauteng were reported and have been gradually increasing in term two.
It is evident that despite following the protocols as guided by the directions on extra-mural activities and standard operating procedure on the prevention, containment and management of Covid-19 in schools, contact sports events still contribute to the spread of Covid-19.
Following the school sports activities related to Covid-19 outbreaks in Gauteng and the general rise of cases in communities across the country, the Outbreak Response Team said the risk was high when engaged in close-contact sports, especially with people who did not live together.
In this regard, all sporting activities have been suspended with immediate effect until the cluster outbreak is subsequently over with no further cases reported, including the preparatory school sport. The department will continue to monitor the situation.
A Government Gazette will be issued with the notice in the coming days.
