Pupils expected back in class on July 19

Teaching at schools across the country will come to a halt on Wednesday, nearly a week earlier than planned.

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced sweeping lockdown regulations to bring the runaway Covid-19 infections under control. 

During a visit to the Free State on Monday, Motshekga provided an update on the impact the new regulations would have on the sector.

“The School Management Teams, teachers, learners in hostel facilities, and learners with special education needs waiting for parents to pick them up, should report at school until Friday, 2 July.

“The usual Winter Vacation Learner Support Programme for Grades 11 and 12, organised by provinces, districts and schools, should continue under very strict conditions in compliance with the Covid-19 health and safety protocols,” she said.

But she added no residential camps would be allowed.

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Motshekga  further announced that the vaccination drive for teachers and staff would not be impacted.

So far the sector has vaccinated over 200 000 people in less than a week.

Motshekga rolled out the sector’s vaccination drive for some half a million staff last week Wednesday. 

“The vaccination programme for the Basic Education sector personnel, will proceed as planned; the workers are advised to adhere to their schedules, and strictly adhere to Covid-19 protocols, as stipulated in the regulations.  

“Schools designated as vaccination sites, must remain open to continue with the vaccination programme.”

In light of the disruptions to schooling brought on by Covid-19 and the move to level 4, the sector has with immediate effect activated the remote pupil support programmes.