She says stringent measures will be in place as schools reopen for grades 7 and 12 next month.

Matsemela says after consulting with a broad range of stakeholders, the department is ready.

She says each learner will be allowed a desk, the number of learners will be reduced to 20 per class and learners will be placed 1,5-meters apart in order to enable social distancing. 

Matsemela also adds that she will employ and train 1 400 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers to conduct screening at schools. 

She says learners and teachers will be screened three times per day. "In the morning when they arrive, during break and after school. No-one with a high temperature will be allowed inside the schools, such a person will be isolated to receive medical attention from the Department of Health," she said.

Matsemela further says Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided to schools and water will be provided by the Department of Water and Sanitation to 171 schools who are experiencing water challenges.

She also says counselling will be provided for teachers and learners to adapt to the new normal. 

Matsemela adds that ways to address vandalised schools and the provision of educators to those schools without teachers will also be outlined.  

OFM News