As the two-week roll-out of vaccines for more than 580 000 teachers begins today, and the basic education ministry says schooling must continue, the Educators’ Union of South Africa says it believes schools should be closed to reduce the risks posed by the third wave currently afflicting the country.
The union’s chairperson in the Western Cape, Andre de Bruyn, said: ‘There is no safe space in a school at the moment…close schools now.’
But Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said at the weekend that while the department was ‘not insensitive’ to concerns about rising infections, risks would be assessed on a province-by-province and school-by-school basis.
She said: ‘While there are disruptions in the sector, the majority of our schools remain fairly stable. Our social partners and key stakeholders expressed the same view….’
She added that the department would not resist closing schools if advised to do so by the Ministerial Advisory Committee from Health, and the National Coronavirus Command Council.
Earlier this month, EFF leader Julius Malema said schools should be closed to protect pupils at all costs.