The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) said it expects a response from the government soon.

The unions are concerned about teachers and school staff infections and have presented some suggestions to the state.

Sadtu general-secretary Mugwena Maluleke said the unions presented a proposal to the minister that will be considered.

"Our submission, as a collective of the five unions that are in education, will form part of the discussion in Cabinet and it will also form part of the discussion in the National Command Centre," he said.

The unions are demanding the issue be resolved within the week.

There have been growing calls for the government to shut down schools as COVID-19 cases rapidly increase across South Africa.

eNCA