Class dismissed? Schools facing ‘three-week shutdown’

Angie Motshekga promised a resolution to teachers and schools about a week ago.

But no decision on keeping schools open was made over the weekend.

The Education Department remained silent despite Monday being scheduled for a final judgment.

Hopefully, Thursday could be the supposed day that Cabinet confirms what the immediate future holds for learners.

WHEN WILL SCHOOLS CLOSE IN SOUTH AFRICA?
The question keeps knocking with an intense debate whether schools should close while COVID-19 pandemic approaches its peak.

This debate has taken control of news headlines in July.

According to a report in TimesLive, Minsiter Motshekga and President Cyril Ramaphosa are ready to announce their proposals – and looks like a shutdown is on the cards.

According to the publication, ‘impeccable sources’ have confirmed that the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) has settled on a resolution to close schools for three weeks.

COGTA Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is reportedly seeking a two-week suspension of classroom activities.

MOTSHEKGA, CABINET ANNOUNCEMENT ON SCHOOL CLOSURES EXPECTED
But it is likely that the consensus will secure their desired outcome, keeping children out of school until the middle of August – two weeks before winter comes to a close.

A source is said to have affirmed:

“What prevails now is three weeks on the table.”

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO HAPPEN ON THURSDAY?
The NCCC will now submit proposals for final approval.

If Cabinet agrees on a way forward, we could hear about the decision later on Thursday.

This would mark another bitter blow for the Education Department, who haven’t been able to properly implement their best-laid ‘back to school’ plans during the pandemic.

Almost 600 people dies over a 24-hour period on Wednesday.

This shocking death toll has left South Africans shattered, and the safety of our children now comes under intense scrutiny.

With some lockdown measures being tightened in July, the potential closure of schools would add to an already turbulent month for the government.