(Some) private schools open
Following queries on the National Alliance of Independent Schools Association's (Naisa) position on the opening of independent schools for 2021, the association has left the decision up to individual schools.
In a virtual meeting the Naisa exco concurred with the suggestions provided the Department of Basic Education (DBE) as they have not made any amendments to the directions gazetted in August/September 2020 related to the re-opening of schools and these are currently still in force.
Naisa Secretary-General, Ebrahim Ansur says schools must remain aware of the amended regulations to the Disaster Management Act published in Government Gazette 44044 on 29 December.
“Currently, the decision to open schools rests with individual schools.
“However, the following factors need to be borne in mind as per the amended regulations curfew, compulsory wearing of face masks in public places, social distancing of 1,5 metres, restrictions on gatherings and increased penalties for contravention of the regulation.”
According to Ansur, Naisa will continue to engage with the DBE on this matter and will update its members if there are any further developments related to the opening of schools.
Polokwane Observer spoke to independent schools in the area on whether they will be opening as planned or if any amendments have been made.
Curro Heuwelkruin was set to open on Wednesday as planned with measures put into place according to government regulations.
Mitchell House was scheduled to open the same day, however, in light of the increase in Covid-19 cases, and the subsequent adjusted level 3 regulations, the school has been advised to postpone the start of the academic year to Wednesday, 20 January.
The school is confident this will not affect the academic year. PEPPS was initially set to reopen on 25 January, but has rescheduled to 27 January when public schools are set to open.
Akademie Reformia has opted to open on 13 January as planned.
