Faizel Patel – 29/05/2020
The Basic Education Department has gazetted the final schedule for the reopening of schools in the country under the disaster management act.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has signed the directives addressing amongst others the phased-in return of pupils at school, COVID-19 safety measures and matric exams.
According to the schedule, Grade 7 and 12 will return to school on 1 June, while other grades, will gradually be phased in from 6 July and 3 August.
However, there is no mention in the schedule as to when Grade 1 and Grade 2 learners will return to school.
The schedule also indicates that only schools and offices that meet the minimum health, safety and social distancing requirements will be allowed to open.
It also mentions that parents who are not comfortable with sending their children back to school, will not be forced to do so and will have to apply to the Head of Department, who may then exempt the learner fully, partially or conditionally from compulsory school attendance, if it is in the best interest of the learner.
All learners must also wear a cloth face mask at all times.
The May /June 2020 examination for candidates who registered for the Senior Certificate and the National Senior Certificate will be administered in November /December 2020, unless unforeseen circumstances occur, in which instance the Minister shall make the necessary determination.
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