Lesufi calls govt to gazette February 15 school reopening
Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyanza Lesufi, says his office has written to the Department of Basic Education to gazette the decision to postpone the reopening of schools by two weeks.
The MEC believes this would give his office the legal arm to deal with schools that defy government's decision to reopen schools on February 15.
This comes after some disarray in the sector when government extended school holidays amid the rising COVID-19 infections.
Public schools are expected to comply with the department’s directive, while private schools have been urged to follow suite.
"But from the reports I’m starting to receive, many people [schools] received this information from the minister very late," says Lusufi.
"Because now they have accepted and received this information, they are starting to retreat, and they are going to comply with the two weeks delay."
The MEC was briefing the media at Helpmekaar College in Braamfontein, Johannesburg on Monday.
Lesufi visited the school after reports that the institution had sent a newsletter to parents informing them that all 1,200 boys should report to school on Monday.
However, the school clarified to the MEC that all classes were halted last week.
School management assured that online classes will kick off on Tuesday.
