Contrary to the promise of the Education Minister last week, many of the teachers did not return to school today (Monday). Angie Motshekga indicated at a press conference on Tuesday that teachers would return to school on May 25 to prepare for the return of some learners on June 1.
However, several provinces have since indicated that they are not yet ready for teachers to return to school.
The North West Province Department of Education announced in a circular to schools that personal protective equipment would only be delivered to schools on Monday and that schools’ management teams could only return to school on Wednesday. The rest of the teaching staff can only return on Thursday, a few days before the first learners have to start school on June 1st. Mmaphefo Matsemela, MEC for education in this province, says officials have already started cleaning schools and are expected to be completed by Tuesday. The department is also supplying water to the more than 200 schools that do not have running water.
Louis Leipoldt Primary School in Pretoria said in a letter to staff protective equipment for staff has not yet been delivered, and therefore staff cannot return to school. “Re-opening for our gr. 7s are still scheduled for June 1st. We will keep you informed of further developments, ”the letter states.
The Gauteng Department of Education said in a statement to schools that good progress had been made in providing protective equipment to schools, but that only principals could return to school on Monday. An announcement on when teachers can return has yet to be made.
According to the circular, 93 schools in the province’s equipment were intercepted by criminals. These schools should receive equipment on Monday.
The education department in KwaZulu-Natal also announced on Sunday that the return of teachers to schools in this province has been delayed. “Although all the protective equipment has been delivered to districts, it has not yet been distributed to schools. Therefore, the decision was made to postpone the return of teachers to schools, ”says a circular to schools. According to the letter, teachers are now expected to return to school only on Thursday.
However, principals still have to report on Monday, as their presence is essential for the distribution of this equipment.
