Fact Check: No, Ramaphosa didn't order Motshekga to shut down schools

- A recent report claimed that President Ramaphosa had called on Angie Motshekga to cancel the 2020 school year

- The article claimed that Ramaphosa was 'disappointed' in the Basic Education Minister's leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic

- Briefly.co.za explores the facts behind this controversial statement to determine if they are fact or fiction

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A recent article recently claimed that President Cyril Ramaphosa himself had come out in fierce condemnation of Basic Minister Angie Motshekga's decision to keep schools open during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition to Ramaphosa allegedly calling for schools to close, the article published by News AF claimed that the president is 'deeply disappointed' with Motshekga's leadership during the crisis.

The report continued to claim that Ramaphosa had given the green light for all students to automatically be passed for the 2020 academic year, including matrics who would be promoted to tertiary levels.

However, Briefly.co.za determined that this controversial article was undeniably fake news seeking to capitalise on the confusion surrounding the situation.

READ ALSO: Cyril given ultimatum: Fire Motshekga or schools will be shut down

In a statement released in response to this post, the Department of Education distanced itself:

"There is news of our President calling on Minister Angie Motshekga to cancel the school year. This is not true, please do not fall prey to fake news. When in doubt check the source, and confirm the news via reputable news sites."

Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that SADTU had called on Motshekga to immediately shut down all SA schools in the face of rising Covid-19 infections.

In response to this damning view put forward by the union, Motshekga had embarked on a consultation process to engage with all relevant stakeholders over the future for the sector.

The Department made it clear that the final call would be made by Cabinet with an announcement expected soon:

"We wish to reiterate that it is the Cabinet that will make the major decisions affecting the schooling system."

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Source: Briefly News