Govt confirms more back-to-school dates
The Department of Basic Education on Wednesday confirmed the return dates for various Grades as the government continues its phased approach to the resumption of schooling.
Grades R, and 1 to 3 -- as well as Grades 6, 10 and 11 will return to school on July 6.
Eligible schools will be permitted to welcome back more of their pupils before official return dates.
The latest batch of pupils returning to school comes after Grades 7 and 12s were welcomed back in June after spending some two months at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga gazetted the new regulations on Wednesday, giving the green light for the second intake of pupils to start schooling on July 6 and the final intake in August.
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Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga says schools which want to welcome back pupils earlier must report to the provincial education head.
“There are schools that have approached us to say that they meet all the requirements and they have smaller number of learners, and they can receive all of their learners from the other grades much sooner than we have suggested.
“They are free to notify the head of education in the provincial education department they can do that, but in summary, the entire set of directions will emphasize on the whole issue of safety for both teachers and learners.”
