By BAKANG MOKOTO
COVID-19 confirmed cases continue to soar in the North West province. The province has 2454 confirmed cases thus far with 291 recoveries and five deaths. The coronavirus has also affected teachers and learners alike as many schools continue to be closed due to the virus.
North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said eight more positive cases were confirmed in various schools. Matsemela said three Grade 7 learners, four teachers, and one office-based employee tested positive for COVID-19.
“All affected schools have been shut down. We would like to convey our words of encouragement to all affected learners and staff members. Sadly, we have registered a sum of twelve confirmed cases of Coronavirus in our department.
“I take this time to pray for everyone affected by the virus a full recovery together with their loved ones. I would also like to indicate that, as the department, we will continue to render them our full support,” said Matsemela.
She said those schools that are closed will only be re-opened once they have been decontaminated and disinfectant through the guidance of the health department.
However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati does not share the same sentiments. This comes after the closure of Vryburg High School recently due to a positive case concerning a learner.
The Vryburg High School principal, Barry Fuleni said in a statement: “We regret to inform you that a Grade 12 learner at our school has tested positive for coronavirus. The department has instructed that no learner, teacher and worker must come to school as of tomorrow.
“Everybody must self-isolate at their homes until further notice from the department of health. You will be duly informed when it is safe to come to school.”
EFF regional spokesperson, Oarabile Koepile said the loss of the academic year can be recovered, but the loss of life can never be covered.
“It has come to our attention as the EFF in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region that a Vryburg High School Grade 12 learner has tested positive for Covid-19. This comes as no surprise to us as we condemned the premature re-opening of schools from the onset due to the failure of adequate preparations and lack of infrastructure in place to combat Covid-19.
“The premature re-opening was and is not guided by any scientific evidence. We, therefore, call on the department of education to reconsider this tenderpreneur-driven decision of re-opening schools to prevent unnecessary loss of life.
“We furthermore call on the department to close all schools in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district to minimize the spread of Covid-19. We shall not allow a situation where school children are used as lab rats by the department for Covid-19 experiments,” he said.
Meanwhile, more Grades of learners could go back to school soon after the Department of Basic Education has issued a set of directions to further provide clarity and guidance on a variety of matters affecting the sector in the COVID-19 environment. The directions were signed by Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshega and issued in the Government Gazette for implementation.
“The key issues addressed include the dates for the phased return of other grades back to school. The directions confirm the date of 6 July 2020 as the date for the following grades to go back to school. Pre-Grade R, Grade R, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 6, Grade 10, Grade 11, Schools of Skill: Years 2 and 3.
“Schools for Learners with Severe Intellectual Disabilities (“SID”): Grades R, 1, 2, 3 and final year (Occupational), Schools with Learners with Severe and Profound Intellectual Disabilities (“LSPID”): Years 1-3, and Schools with autistic learners, Junior Group (below 13 years) and final year (18 years and above),” Motshekga said.
She added that a notable addition in the directions is in regard to the deviation from the phased approach by schools that wish to bring back other grades to school. Motshekga said a school may be permitted to deviate from the phased return to school in respect of specific grades or dates, as contemplated in direction 5(1).
“We will continue to work hard in schools to make sure that we protect our learners, teachers, and employees within schools. It is important to work together to ensure that we beat the virus. The department is working hard to make sure that all schools are COVID-19 compliant before it can receive learners.
“What is also important is to ensure that even during school hours and beyond we stick to the basic requirements of wearing the mask, sanitize, wash hands and keep physical distancing. We urge members of the community to desist from visiting schools as that also increased the risk,” she said.
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