Provincial education department spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, says the vast majority of the now 89 schools that have been forced to close down following confirmed cases in the province, are found in the Covid-19 provincial epicentres; Frances Baard, Pixley ka Seme and John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipalities.

These districts now have 499, 478 and 321 active cases of the coronavirus respectively. 

“Not only has this pandemic disrupted the school academic year, but it has also affected the lives of many people including our educators and learners. We will continue to monitor our schools and act in the best interest of our educators and learners as we navigate through this difficult period” says Van der Merwe.

The department further urges the public at large to continue maintaining social distancing, washing hands thoroughly and using masks.

The above-mentioned districts have also reported the highest number of deaths provincially, with Frances Baard leading the group in that regard, with nine deaths. Five more Northern Cape schools have been temporarily closed down due to coronavirus cases.

The country anxiously awaits Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga’s decision on whether schools will continue to remain open for learning, despite the peak of the coronavirus pandemic being upon us.

The Northern Cape’s significantly lower case number, has not exempt the province from experiencing disturbances to crucial teaching and learning time. Five more schools have been closed as of Wednesday, bringing the tally to 89 since schools reopened in June 2020.

The department has reiterated that while the closure of schools is setting all involved back on crucial learning time, it remains a necessary evil in the fight against the pandemic.

OFM News