Speaking at the St Mary's Primary School in Bloemfontein, Makgoe said the spread of the coronavirus has not only affected the school calendar but methods of teaching and learning too. He says whilst they acknowledge that the education system needs to integrate more digital and electronic methods of teaching, much support is still needed at home where children live. He told members of the media gathered at the school as he monitored the school’s state of readiness for the 2021 academic year, that the department is appealing to all guardians to help children with homework and play a more active role in their teaching.

He highlighted that some learners in the province are still unplaced and battling to find schools due to parents who did not apply on time, as well as parents who insist on taking their children to specific schools despite having been told that there is no space at the particular school.

“We will like to encourage parents to be more active in the education of their children. ICTs and e-learning require the support of parents and guardians and that’s the direction we are heading to in the education system”.

He added that the use of community radio stations in teaching and learning whilst learners are at home is also of high importance and they would like parents to help their children whilst they listen to those programmes.

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