SAHRC to monitor schools as academic year picks up speed
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will continue to monitor schools as pupils return to schools around the country.
Grades 7 and 12 pupils returned to class on Monday after nearly two months.
The commission’s Gushwell Brooks says the Department of Basic Education, unions and governing bodies must ensure that no pupil is left behind.
"We will focus on the delivery of health and safety requirements to schools that have not received such, and alternative arrangements for learners to access learning materials where schools have not been able to open.”
Brooks says it will pay particular attention to access to education for all pupils amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The commission has developed an in-depth overview of the key Covid-19 implications on the right to basic education. Ensuring access to adequate food, nutrition and learning materials for learners are key components of an adequate response to the epidemic.”
He adds: "The commission shall also seek expertise and guidance on a number of related issues, particularly access to education during lockdown, the need to bridge the inequality and digital divide, ensuring inclusive learning, as well as an increased focus on foundation-phase learning."