Schools will reopen on 1 June 2020 with Grade7 and Grade 12 learners returning to the classroom, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said on Tuesday.
“Independent and public ordinary schools will open even in the metropolitan areas. Every school must adhere and observe the health and safety protocols that will be put in place. We will start with grades 7 and 12 and small schools. The other grades will follow in due course,” said the Minister.
The reopening of schools follows the National Coronavirus Command Council and Cabinet’s approval of the Basic Education Department’s (DBE) plan to return to the classroom in a staggered approach.
The return of other grades is yet to be announced.
The Minister unveiled the staggered return of pupils as government continues to ease the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Following the backing of Cabinet, the Minister announced that a revised school calendar will be gazetted soon.
The pending calendar will indicate the opening and closing dates of schools and the breaks in between.
In preparation for the reopening of schools, delivery of COVID-19 essentials such as sanitisers, masks, water and sanitation is currently underway in schools across the country.
“The reports we got are showing that preparations have been taking place and good progress has been made. All indications are that the preconditions for the reopening of schools will be met obviously with the premium being on saving lives,” said the Minister in the virtual briefing.
Meanwhile, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has entered into an Implementation Protocol agreement with the Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation and Rand Water to ensure the delivery of water to schools
