Pushing back the reopening of schools “not wise” says DA

Pushing back the reopening of schools “not wise” says DA

The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes that delaying the reopening of schools for the 2021 academic year until the middle of February, is not a wise decision.

matric pupils in class schools reopening
Sinethemba Madolo

 

The comments by the opposition party come ahead of Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga making the much-anticipated announcement later on Friday morning.

 

DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education Baxolile Nodada says the delay in the re-opening of schools will do “more harm than good”. 

 

“Pushing out the start of the academic year can also have adverse consequences on learners, especially on their psychological and academic development.

 

ALSO READ: Cosas calls for a delay in the opening of schools

https://www.jacarandafm.com/news/news/over-18-000-new-covid-19-cases-more-200-new-deaths-kzn/

 

“Many learners are still coming to terms with the disruptions to the 2020 academic year, particularly as it relates to their physical safety, access to school feeding schemes, and the pressures of distance/hybrid learning where online resources are lacking.”

 

Nodada has since called for an urgent meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education to be briefed by relevant health experts and the Departments of Basic Education and Health on the best way to safely open schools for learners and teachers. 

 

“Parents and schools need certainty that any decision on schools reopening will be based on empirical evidence – not based on the whims of government.”

 

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