According to the provincial Education Department, a total of 158 schools have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to date, with twelve currently undergoing disinfection.

The department, led by Acting MEC Nontobeko Vilakazi, says it remains committed to ensuring all Covid-19 safety regulations are followed at schools and that learners, educators, and support staff are all safe.

Departmental spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, says they are pleased with how their schools and the entire education system handled the phasing in of more grades in August.

Van der Merwe adds schools are making use of differentiated timetables and a rotation system to ensure adherence to Covid-19 guidelines.

He, in a statement, adds "all our efforts are geared towards saving the school academic year, with specific focus on our Grade 12 learners".

He also confirmed Saturday classes are underway in the province as part of their matric intervention programme.

OFM News