schools reopening

Due to the country experiencing the second wave of COVID-19, the reopening of schools has been delayed until 15 February 2021. Cosas has announced that they are satisfied with the postponement.

2020's curriculum was affected which in turn would affect 2021's curriculum and this seems to be a concern for many. Now, a close eye will be kept on whether the department can deliver when it comes to this year''s school curriculum.

With the department announcing earlier that they will be opening online schools, Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule reiterated that they are working hard to improve on e-learning. 

On Friday morning, Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Reginah Mhaule, addressed whether schools will be reopening as scheduled or later which could also then affect the 2021 school calendar. This announcement follows meetings with the National Coronavirus Command Council.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) will now hold consultations on the openings of the 2021 school year as we still experience this pandemic. They will be monitoring schools to check whether they are ready to reopen and to also ensure that it can be done safely.

Due to the second wave of the pandemic, the DBE has decided to plan for the opening of online schools to reduce the pressure on school admissions. 

Talk has been going around about when schools will open with some saying that it might be delayed. Now, we will finally get answers as Minister Angie Motshekga will speak tomorrow.

With schools reopening soon and no word from the Department on it being pushed back yet, National Teachers' Union believes that schools are not ready to open yet with concerns about teachers being raised as well.

Reports have been circulating about the government considering to delay the reopening of schools, however, the DA wishes to find some clarity from the DBE.

The National Professional Teachers Organisation Of South Africa expressed concern about the reopening of schools. They worry about the health and safety of those returning to school as well as the meaningfulness of the academic year for learners.