While most teachers are expected to be at school on Monday, February 1, and learners in two weeks’ time, the Free State Education Department says it is ready for the 2021 academic year.

The Department’s spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, says they are more than prepared for the return of teachers and learners and have implemented precautionary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 among schools in the province.

Schools will commence the academic year with a combination of face-to-face and distance classes on the 15th of February.

OFM News previously reported on Sehlabeng Secondary School in Ladybrand, where a heavy storm blew away the roof of the administration block.

Ndaba tells OFM News that the classes were not affected.

“Learners will be able to access their classes, and arrangements will be made to move teachers to empty classes or an additional unused venue. In the meantime, the Department is finalising the assessment, and from there on fix whatever damage that has occurred as fast as possible. So far I can confirm that the damage caused by the heavy rain will not have any effect on learning and teaching. We will also be ensuring that the Covid-19 restrictions are followed,” adds Ndaba.

The department has decided that principals, School Management Teams (SMTs), including educational assistants, general assistants, and non-teaching staff will return to school on Monday February 1.

Learners will return on February 15.

OFM News/Blaine Jones