The North West department of education on Friday confirmed five pupils from the Vyfhoek Primary School died after a truck ploughed into their school in Potchefstroom.
The North West department of education on Friday confirmed five pupils from the Vyfhoek Primary School died after a truck ploughed into their school in Potchefstroom.
02 June 2021 - 14:56 All primary school pupils and pupils with special education needs will have to attend school daily from July 26. Stock photo. Image: SAMORN TARAPAN/123rf.com
Basic education minister Angie Motshekga has allayed fears around the full-time return of primary school pupils in grades R to 7 from July 26, saying the department would be guided by the national coronavirus command council and data from the health department.
Motshekga was responding to questions on Tuesday after a presentation from the basic education department on the status of school preparedness for a possible third wave of Covid-19 infections.
“We have a team working with the health department and monitoring infections on a daily basis and that is what guides us . in the decision to say it would be ideal to send younger children back to school,” said the minister.
The basic education department is thinking of returning all primary school learners back to the classroom soon. Image: File / Iavan Pijoos
The department of basic education is considering the possibility of allowing all primary school pupils to return to school on a full-time basis.
In a statement, education ministry spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said: “The department is currently investigating the possibility of returning all learners at primary school level due to the learning losses suffered as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic. The proposal is now being considered at the national joint operational and intelligence structure.
“The council of education ministers will also consider the matter this week. An announcement on the outcome of the discussions will be made in due course,” he added.