That is according to Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga. She was briefing the media on Sunday on schools' opening on Monday.

She says the department has phased in schools opening for the past 3 weeks, while teachers and management staff have been at school for two weeks, preparing to receive pupils.  

According to Motshekga, a total of 1,169 educators had passed away as a result of COVID-19 from December to February. From 12 February, the number stands at 159.

Non-teacher staff that passed away during the period of December and January is 69.

eNCA