Return of all primary school pupils on the cards

The Department of Education said it was all systems go for the start of the second term, and it was ready to welcome back teachers, staff and pupils. Picture Henk Kruger/African News Agency (ANA)

The Department of Education said it was all systems go for the start of the second term, and it was ready to welcome back teachers, staff and pupils. Picture Henk Kruger/African News Agency (ANA)

Published May 3, 2021

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DURBAN - THE Department of Basic Education is considering the possibility of all primary school pupils returning to school, because of the amount of time that has been lost due to the pandemic.

In a statement on Sunday, the department said it was all systems go for the start of the second term, and it was ready to welcome back teachers, staff and pupils.

The Council of Education ministers, deputy ministers and all MECs were expected to hold a meeting on Thursday and Friday to deliberate on key issues affecting the basic education sector and the impact of Covid-19, among others.

The department said the proposal that all primary school pupils return to class was being considered at the National Joint Operational Structure where the department had delivered a presentation.

A decision and announcement were expected to be made this week.

In the interim, the department said the rotational system used by schools would continue.

KZN Parents Association chairperson Vee Gani said the proposal to bring pupils back to school at the same time, if accepted, would pose an exposure threat, considering the possibility of a third wave of infections.

He said part of the government strategy was social distancing and staying away from gatherings.

However, he understood that teaching and learning had to return to normal.

“I understand that the department wants to get on with education.

“Two days at school is not enough. With the rotational system currently being used at schools, when pupils are not at school, parents are not able to guide them in doing their school work.

“There is fear of a third wave around the world; nobody can tell if it’s going to happen here or when it will happen. There has been little vaccine roll-out thus far, and surely bringing all pupils back will increase the risk.

“On the one hand you need to increase education, with the risk of increasing infections,” said Gani.

“I must complement schools for adhering to the rules. We have not had Covid-19 cases recently at schools.”