The MEC for Education in the North West Province, Wendy Matsemela, on Friday, 08 May 2020, issued a directive regarding the proposed reopening of schools on Monday, 11 May 2020. The School Management Teams (SMTs) were supposed to reopen this coming Monday, but according to MEC Matsemela’s directive this will not be the case. The decision to not reopen was based on the Department of Basic Education’s assessment of the readiness for the phased in reopening of schools.

The MECs directive comes hot on the heels of the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga’s announcement calling for a refrain from the premature reopening of schools. The minister’s statement was also of a specific nature to recent events. In a statement issued on Thursday, 07 May 2020, by the Department of Basic Education warned all schools against prematurely opening. “In some schools’ teachers have already been reporting for duty and parents meetings have been held where plans were announced to have learners back in school in May. The premature reopening of schools is not permitted as the Department is still finalising COVID-19 school compliance protocols. The uniform standards will be applicable in schools as part of the measures put in place to protect learners and teachers, reduce infection and save the academic year.” The department said.

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The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) also had a thing or two to say about matters arising. The union has voiced its dissatisfaction about what they claim to be a failure to meet the minimum requirements to ensure safety as per COVID 19 Alert Level 4. “The Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) have not been procured for the office based personnel, school-based educators and education support personnel. The disinfecting of schools and offices has not even reached 25%. It is unlawful to expect workers to report for duty when their safety is not guaranteed. SADTU has an obligation to advise her members not to put their safety and that of their families and communities in danger by reporting for duty before these safety precautions are in place.” Said the SADTU Secretariat.

SADTU has called on their members who were to travel from various provinces to remain safe in their homes until the amendment of the regulations by the competent authority as requested by teacher unions.

-The VIP Team

-SADTU

-NW Education

-DBE