Independent schools will open two weeks earlier
By MaryAnne Isaac
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Johannesburg - The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that all public schools will officially open on February 15, with private schools allowed to reopen two weeks earlier.
This is according to a government gazette published on Friday, and comes after the Deputy Basic Education Minister Reginah Mhaule announced a delay in the reopening of schools for 2021.
“Independent schools must delay the date for the reopening of schools for learners to return to school for a period of two weeks from the date of the pronouncement of the minister, on January 15, 2021. Independent schools may not open earlier than the two-week period as contemplated [January 15],” reads the gazette.
From here we can all move together in the same direction .
Private schools
Regarding private schools which may have already opened, Mzwandile Matthews, an advisor to the minister noted that the department is optimistic that these schools will consider opening and closing as stated by the deputy minister following consultations with both the National Alliance of Independent School Associations (NAISA) and the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA). The determination made was that both NAISA and ISASA will persuade the schools that have reopened to follow the reopening protocols. The ones that have not yet opened will be persuaded to consider delaying the reopening, Matthews said.