The department of basic education says that its primary concern is ensuring the safety of pupils.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has confirmed that schools will reopen, for Grade 7 and 12 pupils, on 1 June 2020.

Motshekga announced the revised 2020 school calendar during a long-awaited media briefing which sought to finalise the contentious debate surrounding the curriculum. Following fierce public criticism aimed at the Director-General of Basic Education, Hubert Mweli, who presented a proposal many deemed premature and dangerous, Motshekga revealed the finalised school programme which differed slightly from the plans issued by the Portfolio Committee.

Here’s when will South African schools will reopen

Before announcing the proposed school calendar, Motshekga stressed that the final call regarding the reopening of schools would be made in conjunction with National Command Council (NCC). The minister added that the sector would open on 4 May to prepare for the eventual return of pupils.

It’s proposed that teachers return to work on 18 May to prepare for the remaining curriculum.

While the initial presentation by the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education recommended that pupils return to school as early as 6 May, Motshekga, noting the concerns of pupils, teachers and parents adjusted the calendar as follows:

• Education sector reopens on 4 May
• School management returns on 11 May
• Teachers return on 18 May
• Grade 12 and 7 pupils return on 1 June

With regards to the revised school calendar, the DBE minister noted that risk assessments in each province, district and school would inform decisions to reopen institutions.

May/June exams postponed, merged with December

During her address, Motshekga noted that, because of the disruptive nature of lockdown, exams initially scheduled to take place in May and June had been postponed until December 2020.

The disruptive impact of COVID-19 and lockdown

Motshekga elaborated on the virus’ disruptive, and potentially dangerous, impact on the nation’s education system, saying:

“We have experienced major problems – there has been an increase in anxiety. We serve more than 13 million learners – we are in every household. The anxiety is highly understandable.

Members of the community have been very concerned… when are learners going to go back?”

Motshekga reiterated that the department of basic education’s (DBE) primary concern was the health and safety of all pupils and, as such, staunch social distancing measures would be implemented in schools upon pupils’ return.

The DBE minister was joined by Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande, who clarified contingency plans concerning universities and colleges.

Nzimande said the focus of continued-learning would centre on remote learning initiatives. Until then, most physical campuses would remain closed until the Risk Level was lowered to an ‘appropriate level’.

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