Earlier this week, all principals, general assistants and non-teaching staff returned to school in preparation for the 2021 academic year following the Minister of Basic Education's amended directions, says Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi. 

He adds that the MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela, announced that the province will return to school under the new adjusted level 3 lockdown regulations. Malindi adds that each school's Covid-19 compliance will be regulated and monitored by an internal compliance officer.

Matsemela toured the Areaganeng Secondary and Marikana Secondary Schools to monitor their Covid-19 compliance and assured community members that the department’s top priority is the safety and health of all schools’ teachers and learners, says Malindi.

The 1st of February will see the return of all educators followed by the return of learners on the 15th of February 2021.

Malindi goes on to say everyone who enters any school premises will be subjected to wearing a mask, screening of temperatures, sanitising and maintaining a social distance of 1.5 meters.

Earlier this week, the SMT’s of several schools assembled in preparation for the 2021 academic year while other schools had received their Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM). Others managed their student admissions.

Lastly, Matsemela is said to continue visiting schools across the province to ensure that Covid-19 compliance is monitored and regulated prior to the return of scholars.

OFM News/Shirndré-Lee Simmons