Basic Education pushes back school reopening by a week
The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that the return to school of grade 7s and 12 pupils has been pushed back by a week.
Both grades will now only be back in class on June 8 and not June 1 as originally planned.
Minister Angie Motshekga was expected to hold a media briefing on Sunday, but it was postponed to Monday.
This after she met with teacher unions on Saturday which were adamant that too many schools are not properly equipped to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The department's spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga says the meeting on Saturday looked at three reports.
"All three reports converged on the fact that a substantial number of schools would not be ready for the reopening tomorrow, albeit tremendous progress had been made by most provinces, which overall reflected 80% state of readiness.
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"The council for education minister was concerned that, in some provinces, personal protective equipment for learners, in particular, had not been received; and some schools had not been made ready for the arrival of teachers and learners
Schools are expected to continue with reopening on Monday, but only for teachers and school management.
Mhlanga adds that boarding schools that have already received learners must proceed with learner orientation.