Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has said that she would like schools to reopen on June 1 following the national lockdown.

The announcement proposed tentative dates only, the department said, and that a final date for schools to reopen would be informed by the readiness of schools.

The department’s Elijah Mhlanga says they are aware of plans by some independent schools to reopen earlier.

"In some schools, teachers have already been reporting for duty and parents meetings have been held where plans were announced to have learners back in school in May.”

Mhlanga says all schools will have to abide by the dates put down by the department in order to protect pupils and teachers, reduce infection and save the academic year.

"The minister has already indicated how she intends to have schools reopening and until a final decision is made, no school may proceed to open and receive learners."

Jacaranda FM