Government was expected to explain how and when schools will resume, but that briefing has been postponed.

Parents, students and pupils are still unsure about what lockdown Level 4 means for the education sector.

Sadtu released a statement outlining their guidelines for reopening schools under Alert Level 4.

The statement emphasised health and safety, recommending, "above all, we are concerned about the readiness of the provincial departments with regard to the availability of health and safety essentials that have to be put in place in the learning institutions at least two weeks before any activity can take place."

"We need to do our best to avoid widening any existing learning gaps during the remote learning period.

"We hope the ministers will have a moment to read our statement and consider all the minimum requirements we are putting on the table," the statement read.

Sadtu General-Secretary Mugwena Maluleke said there is no view towards scrapping the entire academic year, but want to collaborate with the government to make sure the year can be recovered.

eNCA