SADTU tells members to stay at home over COVID-19 safety concerns
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) says it's not safe yet for staff to return to schools.
The teachers union is urging its members to stay away until their safety can be guaranteed.
Management teams were expected to return to work from today - to start preparing for the resumption of the academic calendar.
Schools countrywide closed in the second week of March - as South Africa braced itself for a total lockdown.
That shifted to level four at the beginning of this month.
Grade seven and 12 pupils are set to return to classrooms on 1 June - as per a directive by the Department of Basic Education.
Teachers are expected back next Monday.
Before their arrival, schools must undergo a deep clean.
READ: Basic Education warns schools preparing to reopen prematurely
In a statement SADTU's General Secretary, Mugwena Maluleke said: "The Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) have not been procured for the office-based personnel, school-based educators and education support personnel.
"The disinfecting of schools and offices has not even reached 25%. It is unlawful to expect workers to report for duty when their safety is not guaranteed.
"SADTU has an obligation to advise her members not to put their safety and that of their families and communities in danger by reporting for duty before these safety precautions are in place.
"Our members and workers cannot be subjected to this emotional torture caused by lack of communication by the Department," he said.
Maluleke said sanitation stations need to be provided and screenings done every day.
