Schools are still not ready to re-open, says EFF

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have once again lashed out at the Department of Basic Education and Minister Angie Motshekga, after announcing that schools would be operating again for Grade 7 and matric pupils, as of Monday, 1 June 2020.

The learners were all set to return to the classroom on 1 June 2020, however in an about turn, several stakeholders including the Heads of Departments Committee found that the department was not yet ready to welcome pupils.

The EFF maintains that is still the case as some of the party’s public representatives conducted oversight schools across the country and has taken aim at the education department, saying it is yet to come up with a concrete solution.  

“The minister schedules press conferences and postpones them, and so many have been postponed so far, which is a sign that she has run out of ideas. The COVID-19 non-negotiables for the re-opening of schools have not been complied with, and the Minister is insisting that our children and teachers go to school on 8^th June despite the fact that schools are not ready for reopening”, the party said in a statement.

Still no PPEs in schools

The party further said that in all schools where its members have conducted oversight, there are still no personal protective equipment (PPE), adding that in instances were some have been provided, there is still a massive shortage.

“A school with learner enrolment of more than a thousand is given one thermometer to screen learners and teachers. The disposable masks provided are only to assist learners for one day, and not enough have been supplied for the whole month. Schools were told to use their tiny budgets to buy some of the essentials needed to combat the spread of COVID-19. The department does not want to take total responsibility. Rural schools where the poorest of the poorest go will suffer the most because of a lack of finance. COVID-19 continues to expose the inequalities in schools with those in the suburban areas enjoying access to resources and those in the periphery of our villages lacking in resources”, the party added.

Teacher unions slam school announcement

The widely unpopular decision has also provoked the ire of teacher unions who have accused the department of not consulting them on the state of readiness and the pronounced date of 8 June 2020, for classrooms to resume.

Sadtu, SAOU, PEU, Natu and Naptosa are expected to meet with the department on Thursday, 11 June2020, to discuss the matter.