Reopening of schools on hold after talks with unions and parent organisations

Minister of basic Education Angie Motshekga. Picture: ANTONIO MUCHAVE/SOWETAN

Several sources said Motshekga acknowledged to the five unions and three major governing body associations that met with her that “the system is not completely ready”. The meeting took place amid calls from the unions and the governing body associations for schools to stay shut until they had the correct equipment to protect staff and pupils from possible Covid-19 infection.

The results show that though progress has been made in the delivery of Covid-19 essentials, “it was not sufficient to guarantee the safety of both teachers and learners”. The unions called on all schools, including those that are ready, not to reopen until all the non-negotiables were delivered. A glaring mistake in the Government Gazette that published the regulations on school reopening, which the unions described as “a flawed document”, is the failure to mention grades 1 and 2 or the date for their return to class.

Basil Manuel, executive director of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of SA , said it had asked Motshekga “for more time to ensure that the system is properly ready”. He said they also expressed their concerns over the “flawed” Government Gazette, saying “all it has done is confuse more than it solves problems”.He said the idea of more grades being phased in at one time was mentioned for the first time in the document. Previously, the suggestion was that two grades at a time will return.

“If you are unhappy about anything, make the call [not to open]. You can always defend it on the grounds of keeping your learners safe and then work towards getting everything ready.” Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi confirmed that a pupil at a school in Bronkhorstspruit, 50km east of Pretoria, had tested positive for the virus.

Proper Comprehensive consultation was required and accurate measure where supposed to be put in place before any sensetive decision-making Online 🏫 schooling is the best option but no sufficient resources to accommodate each every learner. Sharing is good .

Unbelievable

I thought Angie is the Min of Education. Now the unions are telling her how to do her job.

There will never be a perfect time to open schools. I think those schools that are ready should open and the rest should follow. The MEC’s for education (provincial) should drive the process obviously with assistance from the national department. We have to start somewhere.

Let those who want to teach and pay them for their passion. Let those who don't become unemployed and stop their pay. The unions can fund them i am sure!

'Make up your mind, before I make it up for you.' ~ Florence Welch

Another anc disaster

We should abolish the unions and remove this minister at the same time

DBE_SA, Lesufi, ElijahMhlanga. When are you letting the nation know? What is happening? Are schools ready for tomorrow?SadtuNational, NAPTOSA_TEACH?

Keep the kids dumb and stoopid.

Education Education Latest News, Education Education Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

32 schools in the Western Cape are affected by Covid-19 casesEducation MEC Debbie Schäfer has revealed the number of schools and teachers affected by the Covid-19 in the Western Cape ahead of the schools reopening on Monday. kelow_C It will end in tears Yawn MbuyiseniNdlozi angie_motshekga
Source: IOL - 🏆 46. / 51 Read more »

What to do if you're struggling to pay your children’s school fees“Considering the ongoing Covid-19 situation and its effect on the economy and the livelihoods of many South Africans, schools should be careful not to appear draconian in the enforcement of their contractual rights.'
Source: SowetanLIVE - 🏆 13. / 63 Read more »

Eastern Cape scrambles to deliver PPEs as two schools say they won't open on MondayTwo schools in the Eastern Cape have issued letters to parents advising them not to send their children to classes because the schools have not received personal protective equipment (PPE).
Source: SowetanLIVE - 🏆 13. / 63 Read more »

Schools not ready for reopening on MondaySchooling is not ready to resume. This was a strong message from teacher unions and school governing bodies (SGBs) on Friday afternoon. Like it or not, my daughter goes back to school on Monday. I think she is not using her potential at home but I don't really want her to go to school. Even she is a little scared There's more risk at home from parents than at schools. It's a fact. Private companies should create world class online content and find ways to provide affordable internet to all kids. Then we don’t need these school buildings and low standards. Well its coming sooner then we think👏
Source: City_Press - 🏆 7. / 72 Read more »