Motshekga and Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande briefed the media in Pretoria in Thursday on the future of the academic year.

The national lockdown will be eased to level four on May 1.

Schools across the country were tipped to reopen in May, with pupils in grades 7 and 12 pupils expected to be the first to return to the classroom, followed by the other grades.

But Motshekga clarified that schooling would not resume on May 4.

“The proposed calendar that we are consulting around we are proposing that on 4 May the sector open. We never said kids must go back to school.

“We are proposing that the 1st if June be the first phase.”

Only senior departmental officials will start working on Monday to help with preparations, followed by school management from May 11, and a week later teachers will start preparations, according to Motshekga.

“We have to plan and work back.”

Motshekga said this would help the department to better prepare to re-open the school year, reiterating that the department’s primary concern is the health and safety of all pupils.

Strict social distancing measures would be implemented in schools upon pupils’ return.

Jacaranda FM