Rights commission to monitor provision of materials and nutrition during schools break
Johannesburg – The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) says it’s keeping a close eye on the rolling out of school nutrition programmes and distribution of learning materials as pupils are on a four-week break.
Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic all public schools are closed for a month from Monday, with matriculants taking a week off; while Grade 7 learners will return after two weeks. The Basic Education department said this is in response to the spread of Covid-19.
However, the SAHRC said the decision is regrettable and unjustifiable, citing the closure of schools as a channel that will further deepen disparities within the education system.
Commissioner Chris Nissen said they will ensure the delivery of food to all nine million learners who qualify is implemented; and that pupils receive necessary learning materials at home.
“Every effort should be made to ensure that the disadvantaged have access, and therefore we welcome that some schools have made learning materials to be delivered to them during this period, so that schooling doesn’t stop, whether it is in the school or outside the school,” Nissen said.
