Stop spreading false information on school reopening in September: Motshekga
The exact dates for the opening of schools for the start of the second term will be communicated at a later date.
BASIC Education Minister Angie Motshekga has called on members of the public to desist from spreading false information about when the schools will re-open and on any other matter.
“There is no truth to what has been circulated on social media about schools re-opening in September. Please ignore it,” Minister Motshekga said.
Schools closed last Wednesday as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak in the country. This was followed by the announcement of a 21-day lockdown effective at midnight on Thursday, by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday.
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Motshekga said as a department, they are aware that people continue to spread incorrect information.
“The exact dates for the opening of schools for the start of the second term will be communicated at a later date. Fake news causes a lot of damage to the work we are doing, especially under the current circumstances. The truth is that the Council of Education Ministers at a teleconference meeting this morning extensively deliberated on preparations for the opening of schools after the lock down is lifted,” the Minister said.
Minister Motshekga said as the department, they will in due course confirm the date guided by the National Command Council (NCC).
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“The Department of Basic Education is also finalising a Standard Operating Procedure for the basic education sector to provide guidance to schools and education offices on how to prepare for the opening of schools,” the Minister said.
She added the speedy recovery of schools will be determined by how people conduct themselves because as a sector they are more likely to have long lasting implications.
“The next three weeks are crucial to the re-opening of schools. It depends on all us to flatten the curve of COVID-19 which is rising at a rapid pace daily. Please cooperate during the lockdown, stay in your house and be safe,” the Minister said.
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