Unions support return of daily classes at primary schools
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) and theSouth African Teachers’ Union (SAOU) has expressed support for the return of daily classes for primary school pupils.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has gazetted and issued directions which state that primary school pupils must return to daily school attendance from 26 July provided that Covid-19 protocols are implemented.
SADTU General Secretary Mugwena Maluleke says the union is engaging with the departmenton the latest gazette.
“We have noticed that the pronouncement was made and during the June month we are going to be engaging with members but also observing the behaviour of the third wave and what the scientists are telling us and that will inform our comment concretely. We respect the importance of education and the importance of our teachers in terms of safety and health.”
Maluleke says the unions have also made submissions for the elderly teachers to be vaccinated as a matter of urgency.
“We have made submissions to Minister of Education and Health and we are pushing for the elderly educators to be vaccinated as a matter of urgency, we agree with UNESCO's calling that teachers be prioritised, because education and learning should not stop because of the pandemic,”
Naptosa Executive Director Basil Manuel says while they support the department's decision, they will continue monitoring the developments to ensure that everyone is safe.
“We acknowledged that there has been a loss in learning because of lack of attendance so Naptosa has given its qualified support because there are concerns about the number of learners and whether schools will be able to cope.
“There is also the issue of third wave and winter looming, we will be observing and if we are unhappy we will call the minister however we must give it our best shot to ensure the safety of learners and teachers.”
SAOU Executive Director Chris Klopper says schools will have enough time to prepare before July.
“We need to bear in mind that infections do not arise when learners are at school they arise from extracurricular activities such as sports.
“The expectation is that when they return to classes schools would have had more than ample time to prepare.”
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