CAPE TOWN- Grade 7 and 12 learners across the country were set to commence the school term today, however Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said that the department determined from three state of readiness reports that schools were not yet ready to reopen.
Motshekga addressed the media on Monday saying that schools who are not yet prepared to receive learners should use this week to "mop up".
The decision to delay the reopening of schools to 8 June was taken late on Friday night as
many schools had not yet received p ersonal protective equipment (PPE)
and some schools did not meet the Covid-19 health and safety requirements.
Motshekga was set to address the country on Sunday, but the briefing was postponed. "I want to apologise wholeheartedly for the inconvenience yesterday."
South Africans schools have been closed since 18 March.
Schools to use this week to "mop up"
Motshekga outlined a number of stumbling blocks for certain schools reopening which include the lack of PPE for staff and learners, and many schools had not yet had an induction for teachers and learner. Support staff were also not prepared for the reopening.
Schools that are not prepared and haven't taken all necessary steps should use this week for induction sand to "mop up" she said.
Last week Motshekga visited various school and met with principals who raised concerns about school readiness.
Teachers who have received their PPEs are expected to report to work and carry out their responsibilities Motshekga said.
Home education option
Motshekga said that parents who chose not to send their children to school must apply to the head of the provincial education department who can exempt a learner entirely, partial or conditionally from compulsory attendance.
Parents may take this route if such an exemption is in the best interest of the learner. If parents chose not to send the children to school they are obliged to apply for home education.
Re-engineering timetables and
curriculum
Motshekga said that due to Covid-19 and the subsequent national lockdown schools have lost a whole term. In order to recover the lost time school curriculums and timetables need to be re-engineered she said.
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