Maimane calls for school stay-away amid rising Covid-19 infections
One South Africa Movement leader Mmusi Maimane has called for a nationwide school stay-away on Friday.
The call comes amid growing concerns of rising Covid-19 infections as pupils return to school.
South Africa is set to reach the peak of the pandemic by mid-August.
Maimane says the value of life goes far beyond the recovery of the academic year.
“As we head towards the peak of the pandemic, we are seeing more infections rates. We’re seeing more teachers, more learners and support staff contract the virus.
“We are of the view that schools should be shut, at least for the next two months so that we can get through this peak period.”
Maimane says it cannot be business as usual as the country nears its infection peak.
“We are asking everyone to stay at home tomorrow, regardless of whether your school is ready or not because when you do that, you are standing in solidarity particularly with poor citizens in this country to ensure the government can change its policy on why we should continue to be open during this peak period.
“It’s not one day. We’ll certainly continue until the government changes its mind, tomorrow is just the beginning,” Maimane adds.
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Last week the High Court in Pretoria dismissed Maimane's application to halt government’s decision to reopen schools amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
He adds that the organisation has not given up the fight.
“We’re not done with the legal route. At this point in time we’re looking at that particular judgement and making decisions about what the next steps are.
“But at the end of the day this is govt policy and if the government is not willing to hear the cries of the poor then that government should be held to account.”