Picture: ANCWL acting provincial secretary, Bitsa Lenkopane
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Department of Basic Education has received negative criticisms from various stakeholders since its announcement regarding possible re-opening of schools next week. Many people believe that the call is premature as the COVID-19 pandemic infections continue to soar.
The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) in the North West was the latest structure to raise its voice against the decision. The ANCWL acting provincial secretary, Bitsa Lenkopane said they reject the plan tabled by the department as it seems to be guided more by international operations, and not considering the set Lockdown regulations locally.
She said the level 4 of national lockdown is extremely precautious to limit community transmission, while allowing some activities to resume operations.
“Under the regulations, public gatherings are still prohibited and learner and teacher going to school don’t feature into any permitted sectors’ essential services mentioned in level 4 either.
“It now appears that the Department of Basic Education happened to have been completely ignorant in terms of adhering to the regulations and or level 4 lockdown conditions. The league raises the issue of status of schools in the North West where even to date; the provision of water is still a challenge to communities in areas where those schools are located,” said Lenkopane.
She said the provincial department of education must consider the issues of water scarcity and or lack of provision in the province when making submissions to the DBE. Lenkopane added that water provision commitments previously made has just been an oral exercise throughout the level 5 lockdown period.
Meanwhile, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) said it stands firm on its position which was articulated on Friday that no school shall open until our concerns are met. SADTU General Secretary, Mugwena Maluleke said the urged the department to comply with minimum requirements such as the fumigation and disinfection of schools, proper school infrastructure in the form of proper toilet facilities and classrooms, observance of social distancing inside the classrooms and on courtyards.
“We also called for the reduction of class sizes, provision of soap, sanitizers, and masks, screening of learners, teachers, and support personnel, social distancing in the transportation of learners to and from schools, provision of psychosocial services to assist learners as well as teachers to build resilience and calm down fears among learners and teachers.
“If stage 4 regulations are to be adhered to, there should be no re-opening of schools under stage 4. The minister should meet with stakeholders before any announcement is made and after making sure that the Department of Health has expertly assessed the risks,” said Maluleke.
We reject importing the Taiwan, China, Denmark and Singapore misrepresentation by the Director General, says Maluleke. He further said the context and culture are not the same.
“We must use our context, culture and data to inform our actions. We have called upon everyone to contribute towards the solution, but it is now clear that the department is engaging in bad faith and this is undesirable when we are faced with a virulent and contagious pandemic.
“We can’t allow them to liquidate our workers and students. We stand firm that no schools shall open until our concerns are met,” said Maluleke.
The Guardian 