Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi, tells OFM News that Grade R, 1, 2 and 3 pupils will be among eight grades returning to school.

Their return comes a few weeks after President Cyril Ramaphosa officially announced a halt in schooling across the country due to fears of Covid-19.

Two weeks ago at least 65 000 Grade 7 pupils across the province returned back to school, joining 37 000 grade 12's who had since returned at least three weeks ago.

Malindi says the other group that is set to return includes Grades 4,9,10 and 11, but says this will depend on individual schools’ chosen time tables.

He adds the MEC for Education, Mmaphefo Matsemela, has expressed confidence on the province's readiness to welcome pupils back to schools.

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

The province has also recorded over 20 000 cases and over 200 covid-19 related deaths.

OFM News