KZN teachers set to return to school on Thursday

Zikalala briefed the media in Mayville on Sunday about KZN's back to school plan and the local government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Basic Education Minister said that teachers and management teams would return to school today to prepare for the arrival of Grade 7 and matric pupils next Monday. 

Zikalala says they decided to postpone the return of teachers to make sure that all schools are thoroughly cleaned and that PPEs have been delivered. 

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"The demand for these essentials far outstrips the supply, and as such, some schools are not yet in possession of all the equipment. Those schools that have not yet received PPEs it is because those PPEs are still within their district offices, not that they are yet to be procured."

He says PPEs for teachers and learners have been sent to all districts. 

"Most schools have received their allocations. These key essentials are part of the agreed pre-conditions for the re-opening of schools. 

"They include the provision of clean and hygiene material - three masks per learner, three masks per teacher, visors for teachers to enhance audibility of teachers - education and awareness, infrastructure, water and sanitation, nutrition and hygiene."

And local government is pleased with efforts to get schools ready for learning. 

""On Thursday we expect a total of 49 000 teachers and staff support to be at school. Grade 7 learners we expect that there will be close to 357 849, Grade 12 alone 147 656."