DA, Cosas welcome reopening of schools
The Congress of South African Students (Cosas) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have come out in support of the re-opening of schools.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced the rephased opening of schools on Tuesday, starting with Grades 7 and 12 on June 1.
Cosas said while it welcomes the resumption of the academic year, there are several non-negotiable safety measures that need to be implemented.
"We have put on the table that safety equipment must be in place, schools should be fumigated before admitting any learners or teachers and infrastructure arrangements be made to avoid overcrowded classrooms," it said in a statement on Tuesday.
It also wants Parliament and the various provincial legislatures to open at the same time as the schools.
"If it's safe for learners to go to schools, it's safe for lawmakers to go to work."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) believes the phased reopening of schools is in the best interest of pupils.
The party says schools that are not ready should not open.
The DA's Nomsa Marchesi wants Motshekga to share a weekly progress report with Parliament and the public.
"These updates will be crucial in determining the phased return of the remaining grades. The department and provinces have a mammoth task ahead of the reopening of schools. We urge provincial departments to remain focused on this task and call on the national department to provide open and transparent updates on its progress.”
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