The Education Department spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, confirms that since the start of the national lockdown in March up to 30 December 2020, a number of educators succumbed to Covid-19. Several teachers have also died in other parts of the country during this second wave which hit some regions in the country late last year. However, Van der Merwe says the department will continue to adhere to all Covid-19 regulations and guidelines to curb the spread of the virus, specifically in schools. 

Meanwhile, Van der Merwe adds that the department has on Tuesday officially opened its centres where the marking of matric exam papers is set to commence.

It’s not yet understood how the death of these educators will affect the learning and teaching at various schools in the Northern Cape during the schools’ reopening on 27 January 2021. Van der Merwe, however, adds that further plans will be made known closer to the reopening date. 

“I convey our most heartfelt condolences to these affected families,” he further adds.

OFM News