The union's provincial secretary, George Themba, says the provincial education department is not taking the necessary preventive measures as outlined in the COVID-19 lockdown regulations seriously. 

He says according to their reports, the majority of schools have not been cleaned and disinfected, amongst other issues. 

Themba says the education department was expected to provide a new date for teachers to return to school, but this has not happened. 

He says the department is misleading the public by saying that they are ready for the re-opening of schools.

"Teachers have not yet received travelling permits to return to work, there is a shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), screeners have not yet been appointed and some schools do not have running water," he said.

OFM News previously reported that the provincial MEC of education, Mmaphefo Matsemela, announced that the province is ready to welcome the grade 7 and 12 learners on the first of June. She also added that stringent measures will be put in place to ensure adherence to COVID-19 regulations.

OFM News