All systems go for more grades to reopen on 6 July

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has vowed to prioritise the health and safety of learners and school staff, as more classrooms are set to reopen on Monday, 6 July 2020.

This is despite a learners and teachers recently testing positive for COVID-19, including over 100 in the Eastern Cape.

Grade 7 and matric pupils returned to the classroom on 8 June 2020, following consultations and a wave of backlash against the decision.

Schools have been closed since the country went into lockdown in March, in an attempt to counter the spread of the coronavirus.

Guidelines issued on further reopening

Motshekga has since reaffirmed that pre-Grade R, Grade R, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 6, Grade 10 and Grade 11 learners, would also be going back to school on 6 July – another decision which has drawn sharp opposition, including civil society groups and political parties.

The department has issued a set of guidelines to give clarity on several matters relating to the continuation of school in the aforementioned grades.

Schools of skills’ years 2 and 3 will also resume classes, while schools for learners with severe intellectual disabilities (SID) will also continue.

Schools for learners with severe and profound intellectual disabilities (LSPID), year 1 to 3, and autistic learners junior group (below 13 years) and final year (18 years and above) will also resume, government has said.

According to the department, the institutes of learning may be permitted to deviate from the phased return to school in respect of specific grades or dates, provided that they comply with the minimum health, safety and social distancing measures and requirements on COVID-19.

The department said they would continue to monitor the return of learners to school, with a sharp focus on safety for all.

“We will continue to work hard in schools to make sure that we protect our learners, teachers and employees within schools. It is important to work together to ensure that we beat the virus,” Motshekga said.

The Minister said the department is doing everything in its power to ensure all schools are COVID-19 compliant before they receive learners.

“What is also important is to ensure that even during schools hours and beyond, we stick to the basic requirements of wearing a mask, sanitising, washing hands and physical distancing,” the Minister stressed.