No decision, yet, on public schools to operate on 100% capacity

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says education officials will put forward a proposal to the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) for a 100% capacity to South Africa’s public schools.

The NCCC is expected to meet soon to discuss the possibility of a complete return to the classrooms in the second term.

According to the Western Cape’s Head of Education, Brent Walters, no decisions have been made as to whether there will be changes to the requirements made previously in the directions regarding capacity at schools and physical distancing.

‘’Until then, all schools are to continue to adhere to the directions in terms of regulation 4(3) of the Regulations made under the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act 57 of 2002), published in Government Gazette No. 44154 of 12 February 2021. It is attached for reference and was issued by the Department of Basic Education. It states the following:

“Schools with large enough facilities to comply with health, safety, and social distancing requirements do not have to change their traditional and daily timetable models. and may continue to operate in accordance with those timetable models.” Said Walters.

Walters says that should a school wish to have 100% attendance, then they must apply to the district for permission to do so.

‘’The approval of such an application is dependent on whether the school has enough facilities, safety materials and the necessary procedures in place, that comply with all the relevant health and safety protocols.’’

‘’Existing Temporary Revised Education Plans still apply until such approval is given. Should there be any change to the directions, it will be communicated to schools as soon as possible.’’ Walters added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George