The provincial Education Department spokesperson, Elias Malindi, confirms to OFM News that this grade is part of the group. He says the department is yet to confirm the total number of the pupils expected back to school since the school shut down in March. He adds that the province will later confirm if the grade 10s are also amongst those returning to school amidst serious discussions between government and various stakeholders, including teachers unions, about a possible school closure. Malindi says concerns have been raised about schools reopening.

The concerns Malindi alludes to comes as there are growing calls for schools to be closed as the country nears the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic which has so far killed over 5000 patients in the country. So far 48 of those are from the North West. 

Teachers' unions like Sadtu have also raised their concerns about the number of teachers and school staff being infected. On 6 July 2020, 116 873 pupils, which include 68 384 Grade 6 and 48 489 Grade 11 learners, went back to school a month after the return of 102,000 Grade 12 and 7 pupils.

 OFM News