Amended Regulations Regarding Reopening of Schools Have Been Released

Amended Regulations Regarding Reopening of Schools Have Been Released

Amended Regulations Regarding Reopening of Schools Have Been Released

On the 22nd of January, the Minister of Education released the amended regulations regarding the reopening of schools for the 2021 academic year. 

These adjustments are due to the second-wave of COVID-19 in South Africa.

What You Need To Know

Here is everything you need to know about the statement released by the Department of Basic Education:

  • The change in school reopening’s is to curb the spread of the virus: Angie Morshekga amended the school reopening dates in hops to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Students will return to school later in hopes that there will be fewer cases. 
  • The change in dates will help the health system: With many hospitals operating at full capacity, the amended school reopening dates will give the health system a chance to cope with their already high volume of patients. 
  • These amended regulations were made under the Disaster Management Act, 2002: The statement released by the Department of Education is backed up by the regulations made under the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002).
  • Principals and school management teams will return on the 25th of January 2021: This also includes all education assistants, general assistants, and non-teaching staff. 
  • Teachers will return on the 1st of February 2021: All teachers are expected to return to school on the 1st of February, two weeks before students.
  • Students will return to school on the 15th of February: Students will be the last to return to school on the 15th of February 2021. 
  • Independent schools must delay their reopening: Independent schools will also have a change in their reopening dates. They are required to delay their reopening by 2 weeks from the date of the 15th of January 2021. 
  • Officials will be able to access school premises if needed: During the closure of the schools, officials will be allowed on the premises to prepare for the reopening.
  • All COVID-19 regulations still apply: Under Alert Level 3 all COVID-19 safety measures and protocol must be strictly followed.

Author: Andrea Frisby