EFF urges Department of Education to delay school reopening
The EFF in KZN is not convinced that all schools are ready for Monday's reopening
THE EFF in KZN is not convinced that all schools are ready for Monday’s reopening.
The party believes rural schools in particular still lack basic services such as water provision and sanitation facilities.
ALSO READ: Buthelezi mourns death of ANC leader
EFF Provincial Chairperson, Vusi Khoza said clean water and proper sanitation facilities have now become more important than ever, amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘The education department in KZN has declared a state of readiness for the reopening of school on Monday,’ said Khoza.
‘About 70% of schools in the province are situated in rural areas.
‘It is disappointing to note that a department that is supposed to prioritise the health and safety of teachers and pupils has chosen to reopen schools without rectifying these issues.’
Khoza said the department decided to go ahead despite the directive of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Bingiwe Mbinqo-Gugaba who advised the department to urgently attend to issues relating to the provision of learners’ transport, provision of water, and filling vacant posts.
‘We are incredibly disappointed that the department has chosen to temporarily ignore such important advice.
‘Some rural schools have been without sufficient personal protective equipment since last year, yet they are expected to be fully operational when schools reopen next week.
‘We therefore urge the department to delay the reopening of schools until all necessary requirements have been made available to all,’ he said.
Department spokesperson, Sihle Mlotshwa said Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) have visited various schools in the province to check their state of readiness for reopening.
‘When Premier Sihle Zikalala announced the schools’ readiness, he made it clear that water provision was our priority, and the MPs and MPLs have all approved the reopening of school.
‘The department is convinced that all schools are ready to reopen,’ he said.
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
