According to the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, a meeting of the Council of Education of Ministers (CEM), held on Saturday, 30 May 2020, resolved that effective teaching and learning, is expected to resume on Monday, 08 June 2020, for Grades 7 and 12.

Moeti Primary School, in Huhudi, Vryburg, is cognizant of this resolution and seem to be prepared for this eventuality. The VIP Team paid the school a visit and were greeted by a full compliment of teachers on the premises. This in line with what the Minister had instructed. “Teachers, whose schools have already received the personal protective equipment, will be expected report for work on 01 June 2020, and prioritise the preparation of their schools to deal with the “new normal” brought about by the Corona Virus;” said the Minister, as she relayed a resolution by the CEM.

On a walk about with the Principal at Moeti Primary School, Oupa Maselo, we got to see the extent to which the school is prepared. In line with another resolution by the CEM, according Principal Maselo, the school has procured additional water supply from the municipality in anticipation of the “new normal” way such a resource will be utilized. According to the report by the CEM, 3 critical control points are being attended to. One of which is the state of delivery of water tanks and water supply by Rand Water.

The other two points from the report are more on the administrative side. “These the school is aware of and are working on the attending to all the administrative work that needs to be done before the 8th of June.” Said Principal Maselo. According to the Principal, social distancing one of the major concerns the school has, and for that they have put in place a variety of practical solutions. Social distancing markings have been drawn all over the premises. “Teachers are being trained on how to utilize these majors so that they can impart the teaching to the learners.” Explained the principal. He added that fumigation of all class rooms has already taken place, and continued cleaning is effective.

According to the school, there is an existing exchange in communication with all the parents, especially those the school is expecting in a couple of days. “Moeti Primary School has an existing database of all parents and have been receiving regular updates in line with COVID19” said Principal Maselo. The principal says parents should expect further communication in this regard, more specifically with regards to the phased in opening of the school.

The School only has one grade that will be expected for this opening, Grade 7. According to the Principal they will be expecting over 100 learner on the 8th. “The learners will be allocated to classes in groups of 20s, and will sit in a specific way in the classroom while observing social distancing.” Explained the Principal.

The Principal assured the The VIP Team that continued fumigating and cleaning will continue beyond the 8th of June as the school will be preparing for more grades to be phased in.

-The VIP Team

-Jus4tos Photography

-Department of Basic Education