Report: NCCC wants reopening of schools postponed amid Covid-19
- The National Coronavirus Command Council reportedly wants the reopening of South African schools to be postponed
- This comes as the nation records high Covid-19 fatalities and infections amid the second wave
- Some independent schools have already reopened during the course of the week
PAY ATTENTION: Join Briefly News' Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
The National Coronavirus Command Council wants the reopening of schools to be postponed until next month according to a recent report.
Source: Getty Images
Public schools are set to open on 27 January, but the NCCC is seeking to delay it to 15 February in the hopes that the second wave of infections would have subsided.
Wednesday saw many independent schools reopening while the majority of South African schools are slotted for reopening next week.
News24 reports that the education sector met with the Department of Basic Education when the decision was reportedly communicated.
However, there seems to be differing opinions on the proposal to keep schools shut with Paul Colditz, CEO of the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools commenting on the situation.
Colditz voiced the opinion that experience shows children are safer where they are 'under control and can be supervised'.
However, even Colditz admits that there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the issue with concerns raised over the high rate of infections amongst teachers.
As far as the ongoing marking of matric exams papers, Colditz says that the group is satisfied that the efforts are going well.
The South African Democratic Teachers' Union says that it has always called for schools to reopen only once the second wave has passed.
General secretary Mugwena Maluleke highlighted the view that schools shouldn't open when infections rates are not declining.
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has called on the government to delay the reopening of schools.
Malema has warned against risking the lives of South African children amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking during the party's first media briefing for the year, Malema highlighted the EFF's concerns:
"As the EFF, we oppose the gambling of the lives of children, to a virus that all of humanity is yet to properly understand. It will be extremely painful when families start losing their children because as leaders we failed to respect the situation we find ourselves in and preserve the future of our nation."
Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!
Source: Briefly News
