Motshekga confident in decision to reopen schools
PPEs in the form of face masks must be worn at all times while sanitisers must be made available on the school grounds.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga has said that the department will not allow schools to reopen if the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) is not available.
On a compliance visit to a number of schools in Gauteng on 28 May, Motshekga noted that after over just over two months, most of the schools are ready to welcome the Grade 7 and 12 learners.
Under the regulations governing the reopening of schools, learners and staff are required to undergo daily screening before entering the premise.
PPE in the form of face masks must be worn at all times while sanitisers must be made available on the school grounds.
Motshekga expects learning to effectively resume on Wednesday. “We are expecting that Monday and Tuesday we can use for inductions, reorientation and to make sure that we can thoroughly deal with the health issues,” she said.
On the phasing in of other grades, she said the department will look at the capacity of each school individually but for now, the main focus remains on the Grade 7 and 12 learners.
“When we feel confident that our feet are firmly on the ground, we will then deal with each institution case by case,” concluded the minister.
Grade 7 and 12 learners are expected to return to school on 1 June.
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