Difficult to say when schools will reopen, admits Motshekga
Updated | By Gaopalelwe Phaleatsile
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says not definite date has been set for the reopening of schools amid the coronavirus crisis.
Motshekga briefed the media in Pretoria on Thursday.
Schools were forced to close their doors last week after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the coronavirus outbreak a national disaster.
Motshekga says the looming 21-day lockdown makes it difficult to predict when schools will reopen.
"We speculated that if the lockdown finishes on the 16th it’s the likelihood for teaching, but this will be determined by the curve because that is what put us in lockdown. So if the curve flattens and the health department says it would be wise to move out then we would indeed.
“But the lockdown has not started. We will monitor the situation and communicate with the public on whether it's safe to send learners back to school."
ALSO READ:
WHO: 'Painful' Ebola experience can help Africa deal with coronavirus
The WHO in Africa held a press briefing on Thursday afternoon on the COVID-19 pandemic, which it warns has the potential to wipe out the old and the most vulnerable people in society. "We do think that some of the lesson learned, some of the interventions around the Ebola virus will be assessed and that will help in this case, said the organisation's Dr Rebecca Moeti.
She gave an assurance that the department is busy with a plan to recover lost time.
In the meantime, parents are urged to access school material on different platforms.
"We are working closely with key partners to coordinate and make available content tailored to support our learners. We make the following resources available: Broadcast lessons working with SABC TV and radio, we have programs with DSTV channel 180, eTV has dedicated a channel for 3 months on OpenView and we are also broadcasting lessons on community radio stations across the country," said Motshekga.
Learning material is also available on the department’s website at no charge to parents.
Show's Stories
-
This will raise some eyebrows! Lady messes up her brows
DIY beauty hacks can be amazing... well, usually.
The Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp 59 minutes ago -
Are you on board for a Nude Cruise set to sail in 2025
Calling all nudists, your mother ship has arrived, but it's in Miami, USA.
The Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp an hour ago