This, as Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga is expected to brief the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education about the progress that has been made in terms of the curriculum, Covid-19 safety measures, as well as the National School Nutrition Programme. 

OFM News previously reported that the Free State Education Department confirmed almost 60 000 Grade 6 learners and over 43 000 Grade 11 learners went back to Free State schools last Monday as schools countrywide officially re-opened after a 4-week break announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The briefing before the Committee is expected to shed more light on how schools countrywide have been progressing with more learners and how learning and teaching continue without teachers with comorbidities.

OFM News previously reported that over 16 000 teachers have declared comorbidities in the country.

Motshekga, in a written reply to the DA, confirmed as on June the 23rd, a total of 16 168 educators had declared comorbidities and the processing of applications was ongoing. In a reply to questions as to whether schools would have enough teachers for more phased-in grades, Motshekga said provincial departments will make substitutions where necessary and is confident no province will sit with a shortage of teachers.

"A concession agreement between the department of education, teacher unions and the Education Labour Relations Council, which contains procedures to be followed when dealing with educators with comorbidities, permits teachers to stay at home while they wait for approval," she said.

Whilst the majority of teachers who have declared comorbidities are in Gauteng and the Western Cape, Motshekga said all provinces have been directed to provide a substitute where needed.

OFM News