Johannesburg - The Department of Basic Education (DBE) was expected to make a decision on the full-time return of primary school learners in due course, as schools open for the second term this week.
It was back to school for teachers and learners across the country on Monday for the first day of the second term of the year.
The return to school is happening in the same week that the Council of Education ministers, which include Minister Angie Motshekga, Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule and all MECs of Education, will hold a two-day meeting on Thursday and Friday to deliberate key issues affecting the basic education sector. The discussions will include the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector.
DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said in the meantime schools would continue to apply the rotational approaches as the department intensified its implementation of the safety campaign.
“Health and safety protocols remain in place with social distancing, the washing of hands and sanitising being the basic hygiene practices that must still be adhered to at all times,” he said.
The DBE is considering the return of all learners at primary school level owing to learning losses being incurred.
Executive director of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of SA (Naptosa), Basil Manuel, told The Star last month that the hybrid system created difficulties for schools with the loss of learning time and the loss of contact with learners.
Manuel added that the Grade 2s who entered schooling last year when the pandemic started were struggling to fill the gaps that the loss of contact had created.
Mhlanga said that the proposal was being considered at the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), where the department has delivered a presentation at the relevant work streams.
“The Council of Education ministers will also consider the matter this week. An announcement on the outcome will be made in due course,” the spokesperson said.
The first term of school was marred by several tragedies that resulted in the loss of lives, including bullying and violence in schools.
“As the second term begins, learners are reminded to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the statement of commitment,” Mhlanga said.
He added that the DBE was also preparing for a vaccination programme that will target citizens who were over the age of 60 and employees at risk who have been identified as essential workers.
“Parents and guardians will be required to register as part of the preparation for the vaccine programme to be rolled out on a date to be announced by the Department of Health,” Mhlanga said.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Department of Education welcomed back two million learners to the province’s schools yesterday as the country reopened for the second term.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said the department wanted learners to view the second term as another opportunity to perform to the best of their potential.
“In addition to achieving exceptional results that their educators and parents can be proud of, we encourage learners to enjoy their academic journey and every educational activity that they partake in.
“We are almost halfway through the 2021 academic year. This is the perfect time to focus on your goals and block out distractions that may come your way,” Lesufi said.
The Star