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While the gradual reopening of schools in South Africa amid Covid-19 remains tentative and sensitive, the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) has advised principals and school administration teams (SMTs) to wait a few more days. before returning this. week.
SMTs were due to return to schools starting Monday, May 11, to prepare for the gradual incorporation of students, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced two weeks ago.
But in a WCED letter to public school and SMT principals, which News24 has seen, the department reports that principals and staff stop while waiting for instructions from Motshekga on the national situation of preparations.
The department said it had been informed that not all provinces were ready to return on Monday.
“Therefore, we have been considering the implications if only the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) is ready to return on Monday May 11, 2020. We are trying to consult with the Department of Basic Education on a national position.” letter, signed by Chief Education Officer Brian Schreuder, read.
The department has confirmed the letter to News24.
The letter also reports that Motshekga would meet with the Council of Ministers of Education (CEM) on Monday and that the department would await the results of the meeting.
Schreuder has asked directors and SMTs, therefore, to avoid returning until Wednesday, May 13, or until he is clear on the way forward at the national level.
“In the meantime, principals must be on standby to receive or arrange to receive purchased materials when contacted. This may be on short notice. These materials are expected to be delivered to schools in various installments beginning next time. week on Monday May 11, 2020 “.
Increase in registered cases of Covid-19
While WCED appears to be ready to begin preparing for gradual enrollment of students, the province continues to see an increased number of reported Covid-19 cases, which can be challenging in the process.
On Saturday, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize confirmed that South Africa had 9,420 cases of coronavirus, and that the Western Cape was the largest contributor to the figures, News24 reported.
Explaining the increase in cases, Mkhize said that one of the characteristics of the pandemic in the province was the outbreak of “clusters” of infections. These were mainly found in busy factories and shopping areas.
Schreuder said in the letter that while he was aware that teachers were eager to return to school in the interest of students and make up for time lost due to the pandemic, there was also a need to consider safety.
“But in light of the above, we are of the opinion that this decision is fair to Western Cape teachers.”
Motshekga previously said the department will be guided by health to ensure that the gradual on-boarding of students resumes from June.
For this to happen, all necessary training and personal protective equipment (PPE) must be delivered to schools to ensure that teaching and learning take place in a safe space without the risk of spreading the virus.
The tentative dates announced by the minister were that the SMTs return from May 11 to prepare for students, teachers follow on May 18, and then the gradual introduction of grades 7 and 12 beginning June 1.
Once the dates are finalized, the minister said she would then publish the updated school calendar accordingly.
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