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At a virtual briefing to MPs on Wednesday morning, the Basic Education Department said that schools would reopen on 6 May but only grade 7s and 12s would return to the class on that day.
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On May 20, grades 11 and six will return, followed by grades 10 and five on June 3. As of June 17, grades nine and four will return, followed by grades eight and three on July 1 and lastly grades two and one on July 8, and grade R on July 15.
The Director-General of the Department of Education, Hubert Mweli stressed that these dates are tentative and are subject to change as part of a draft amended school calendar.
According to the officials schools will be expected to carry out daily screening to check the temperatures of pupils and teachers alike, those who present high temperatures will be considered for isolation and testing.
Pupils will be provided with two cloth face masks as part of the proposed ‘essential hygiene and sanitation package’. A key priority is ensuring strict hygiene measures are put into place and water is available for regular hand washing.
Government transport will also be provided for learners and teachers in need.
“The contribution that schooling makes to the spread of the virus is very small,” said Mweli.
“Children with underlying condition as well as elderly teachers will be asked to stay home for their own safety.”
“Children with pre-existing medical condition will be advised to learn from home. Teachers who are 60 years old and above will be advised to work from home,” adds Mweli.
The Director-General added that any proposed dates would be finalised by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga during Thursday’s briefing.
