KZN ready to welcome learners, says KZN Premier
The Premier said some schools will need to alternate days in order to accommodate all learners while observing social distancing.
KWAZULU-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala says the province is ready for the opening of schools on Monday, 15 February.
Addressing the media during a virtual briefing on Tuesday, Zikalala reported that out of 2 771 015 learners expected to be admitted, the province had admitted 2 769 212.
“The main aim is to have the first lesson during the first hour of the first day of school. This calls for readiness in terms of learner admission, availability of physical resources such as classrooms, stationery, textbooks, school furniture, water, sanitation, Covid-19 essentials, learner transport, as well as nutritious food for learners who are beneficiaries of the National School Nutrition Programme,” Zikalala said.
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While timetable options will not change drastically from last year, the Premier said some schools will need to alternate days in order to accommodate all learners while observing social distancing.
“The timetabling options will include alternating weeks, platooning, alternating days, hybridisation and normal timetabling. The choice of the timetabling option will be determined by the demand for classroom space and the consumption. With permission from the Minister of Basic Education, the province will communicate the dates for a staggered return of learners to schools before 15 February,” Zikalala explained.
He said good progress has been made to ensure that all Covid-19 essentials are delivered to schools before the arrival of learners. This includes the provision of water and sanitation facilities.
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“There is confirmation that all schools will have required Covid-19 essentials when learners arrive and this will include cloth masks for teachers and learners.”
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