This is according to MEC for Education, Tate Makgoe, who tells OFM News that this 10% of that budget translates to R60 million that will further be used for maintenance, including water, sanitation and electricity issues in schools. He says schools such as Matla and Unity Primary Schools, both in Mangaung, will be attended during this programme of fixing school infrastructure while schools like Caleb Motshabi in an area know as Dinaweng will be used to relieve some of the heavily burdened schools. Makgoe adds that his department will utilise this period as an opportunity to do some of the things that the department had failed to do and seek permanent solutions in schools across the province.

Makgoe’s statements come as hundreds of Grade 12 and 7 pupils continue to return to schools across the province for the first time since the shutdown in March due to the coronavirus.

Makgoe also told OFM News that it would be difficult to predict the extent of damage to schools that fell prey to vandalism and theft by criminals during the period of lockdown.

He and Members of the Executive Council held a media briefing at the Tsoseletso High School in Bloemfontein, about the readiness for the reopening of schools.

Premier Sisi Ntombela, who was not present at the briefing, released a statement earlier today and say that all the necessary steps and precautions to guarantee the safety of the learners have been taken.

Ntombela adds that all schools will operate at 50 percent less capacity.

"This, obviously, is aimed at lessening the chances of new infections at schools. We are a caring government and would not do anything to jeopardise the lives and future of our country,” she adds.

On Sunday, the National Education Director-General, Mathanzima Mweli, announced that 1123 schools in the province were declared ready for the first phase of reopening for these pupils.

Mweli, however, said some still needed to complete the department's orientation before and during the reopening of schools.

OFM News