DURBAN – The National Alliance of Independent Schools Association (NAISA) is waiting for the go-ahead from the Department of Basic Education to reopen schools before the proposed opening date, June 1.
NAISA represents nine private school association within South Africa.
The department, however, is awaiting feedback from NAISA on how it would be able to implement and comply with the Covid-19 requirements. The department's director-general recommended that NAISA submit a proposal to Education Minister Angie Motshekga.
NAISA chairperson Mandla Mthembu said: "Many schools have gone as far as buying masks and sanitisers and putting in place teams of janitors to clean schools."
Curro spokesperson Mari Lategan said: "Stringent social-distancing measures will be implemented during lessons, including during breaks. Learners and staff will be expected to perform habitual handwashing and positive hygiene behaviours."
Curro owns 175 private schools located across the nation.
The principal of The Ridge School in Johannesburg, Richard Stanley said: "There is every intention of getting our boys back as soon as we can. We will, however, need to weigh that up against our parents' wishes and the safeguarding of our boys' health and wellbeing at all times."
The department has stated that some teachers have reported for duty at various schools and have held meetings with parents to discuss their plans to allow students back.
However, South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) urged its members not to return to schools as the union feels that Motshekga has allegedly not fulfilled her promise on making schools a safe environment against the Covid-19.
CORONAVIRUS MONITOR