The near possibility of academic activities resuming in South Africa are no longer certain after more than 100,000 people signed petition challenging the government’s plans to reopen schools under lockdown.

Minister Motshekga finally announced at a media briefing on Tuesday that grade 7 and 12 pupils will resume schooling on 01 June 2020. The other grades will return to school in a staggered manner over a period yet to be announced.

However, SA Movement leader Mmusi Maimane on Thursday launched his petition to challenge the department of basic education’s strategies for students to return back to the classrooms to ensure the safety of students and teachers.

“Bagaetsho, I am a parent, I am an uncle and I am a concerned citizen. I do no think that the @DBE_SA is ready to reopen schools. This is rushed, this is risky. Please join me in advocating for the reopening of schools when it’s actually safe.” he said on Twitter.

” They want to put kids and teachers at risk while they have Zoom meetings. It’s hypocritical.”

Parents took to social media to sign the petition in efforts of Solidarity to ensure that schools in the country remain closed until the pandemic comes to an end.

” Let them open parliament 1st. We want to see something.”

“We maintain that opening schools at this stage poses a risk and danger on all students, teachers and support staff as all credible indicators suggest that infections have not yet peaked.

“We cannot risk allowing our country’s places of learning to become petri dishes for increase in infections which may undo the value of the national lockdown.” he said.

Citizen