Full-time school resumption considered by education dept

THE Department of Basic Education is considering opening primary schools on a full-time basis. Since the Covid-19 outbreak last year, pupils have been attending school on a rotational basis to prevent crowding and to adhere to social distancing protocols. ALSO READ: Protect your child from cyber-bullying However, Department of Education spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga said in a statement that the Council of Education Minsters is meeting on Thursday and Friday to discuss the matter as well as the impact of Covid-19. Government schools re-opened for the second term on Monday. ‘The proposal is now being considered at the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure where the department has since delivered a presentation at the relevant workstreams,’ said Mhlanga. ‘In the meantime, schools will continue to apply the rotational approaches as the department intensifies its implementation of the safety campaign aimed at saving lives and livelihoods.’ However, National Professional Teachers Organisation of SA (NAPTOSA) executive director Basil Manuel said the full-time return of pupils should be looked at carefully, while being mindful of a possible third wave. HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer