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Cabinet officials

South Africa's Department of Basic Education Prepares for Return of Learners Amid COVID-19 Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The South African Department of Basic Education briefed a joint sitting of the Portfolio and Select Committees on Basic Education on the state of readiness for the return of learners in selected grades on 6 July 2020. Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule led the DBE delegation, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in the face of the increasing infection rate in communities. Director-General Mathanzima Mweli outlined the steps taken by the sector in the context of COVID-19, highlighting the various options available for parents who wish not to take their children back to school, including home education and online learning. The Department also addressed concerns around school nutrition, providing essential items such as masks, gloves, and cleaning materials for food handlers and kitchens.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Department of Basic Education has briefed a joint sitting of the Portfolio and Select Committees on Basic Education on the state of readiness for the return of learners in selected grades on 6 July 2020.
  • Learners in Grade R, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, and 11 are expected to return to school, but the plans are flexible in response to the increasing infection rate in communities.
  • Parents have options for not taking their children back to school, including home education, online learning, and partnering with schools to collect and return school work.
  • The Department has provided COVID-19 essentials such as masks, gloves, and cleaning materials for food handlers, kitchens, and storage facilities.
  • The feeding program for Grades 7 and 12 resumed successfully in most provinces, and plans are in place to provide feeding for learners not yet in school using various options.
  • The Director-General clarified the cost of tanks, stating that the Department had transferred R200m to Rand Water as part of an agreement.
  • The Department is experiencing setbacks in water supply to some communities, with tankers being hijacked; an integrated solution is being sought.

Statistics:

  • 6 July 2020: learners in selected grades are expected to return to school.
  • R200m: the amount transferred by the Department to Rand Water for the delivery of water to schools.
  • 22 June: the date when feeding for learners not yet in school was planned to resume.
  • Various options: available for parents who wish not to take their children back to school.
  • 7 and 12 grades: successfully resumed feeding program in most provinces.
  • 170,000: incorrect amount mentioned on social media regarding the cost of tanks (actual amount not known).
  • Various items: provided as COVID-19 essentials, including masks, gloves, disposable aprons, and cleaning and sanitation materials.

Sources:

  • Government of South Africa, "The Department of Basic Education has today briefed a Joint sitting of the Portfolio and Select Committees on Basic Education on the state of readiness for the return of learners in selected grades on 6 July 2020."

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