No major issues as schools reopen – Dept
Johannesburg – The Gauteng Education Department says the return of more pupils to school on Monday had no major problems.
The department said many schools reported increased attendance, and that the academic year can be salvaged,given the trimmed down curriculum.
Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said there were challenges relating to timetable disruptions and substitute teachers.
“Because of the large numbers of learners, they cannot be accommodated in one school at the same time, which means that some of them will be rotating daily. Generally everything is going well and personal protective equipment is there, and we are processing the issues of teachers who applied to work from home, and those exiting the system,” Lesufi said.
On the anticipated second wave of Covid-19 infections, Lesufi said the department would readjust the programme.
“There is a likelihood of a second wave though no date has been confirmed. We have incorporated a week or two where we believe the school calendar needs to take a break, so that we can accommodate that wave when it arrives,” Lesufi said.