DBE concerned about rise in COVID-19 cases in Gauteng

More than 11 000 cases were reported over the last 24 hours with Gauteng recording just over 7 000 new infections. 

Some pupils have completed their exams and remain at home, while others are still at schools catching up. 

Teachers are currently busy with marking question papers and other administrative work ahead of the 2022 academic year.  

“What do we mean when we say schools must close? Because once exams are completed it is the busiest time for teachers as they are completing reports so that each child must have a report of their work. 

“There are learners who are still going to school, in 2020 they didn’t finish their curriculum and the 2021 curriculum started late, we are still in a crisis, and we are catching up now,” says spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga. 

Mhlanga acceded that the call for Gauteng schools to close midst an alarming increase in new infections, makes sense, however, keeping pupils in schools keeps them safe as there are controls.  

He says some schools in the epicenter of the virus are converting some parts of their schools into vaccination sites in a bid to ramp up vaccinations. 

Mhlanga says they are awaiting advice from the National Health on whether schools should be closed. 

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