Their return comes a week after at least 37 000 grade 12 school pupils returned back to school.

The grade 7 and 12s were the first batch of pupils in the country to return to school on 8 June for the first time following the shutdown in March.

However, their return was short-lived as schools were ultimately shut again on July 27, as the country recorded over 400,000 Covid-19 cases and more than 6,000 deaths.

The North West Department of Education previously announced that more than 100 Covid-19 cases were registered at various schools across the province since the first reopening.

The return to school comes amidst a huge public outcry and heavy criticism against the Department of Basic Education.

This, as the rate of Covid-19 infections continue to increase along with the rate of fatalities in the North West and across the country.

Amongst those that criticised the department for allowing teachers and pupils back at schools, is the teacher's union Sadtu.

The union previously said that schools across the country should only be reopened once the curve in the rate of infection has been flattened.

The criticism comes after several teachers, pupils and staff were infected by the virus.

OFM News