The Department of Basic Education announced on Friday, January 15 that schools will only reopen on February 15. Dr Reginah Mhaule, the Deputy Minister of Basic Education, held the briefing as Minister Angie Motshekga is on sick leave currently.
Based on the current COVID-19 infection rate, the department made the decision to delay the reopening of schools.
“Cabinet, has taken the decision to delay the reopening of both public and private schools with two weeks. This includes private schools that have reopened already. They will need to postpone their reopening to a later date.”
“On the issue of independent/private schools, the Department will persuade the association of private schools to delay the opening of schools and for those who are open, to close, in line with the recommendation of schools to open on 15 February,” said Mhaule.
For public schools and private schools, which follow the same calendar, changes are as follows:
– School Management Teams (SMTs) shall report for duty on Monday, 25 January 2021
– Teachers will follow on Monday February 1
– Lastly, learners will return on Monday, February 15
The full media statement on Cabinet’s decision to delay the opening of schools for 2021 to 15 February for learners #schoolsreopening @DBE_SA @ElijahMhlanga @GovernmentZA @SAgovnews @GCISMedia pic.twitter.com/85vbPCuMFZ
— Dr Reginah Mhaule (@ReginahMhaule) January 15, 2021
Picture: Unsplash