Unions 'reassured' as millions of pupils head back to school
The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) and the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) say they have been given assurances over the health and safety of pupils.
Millions of children will return to school on Monday following a COVID-enforced break over August.
READ: Over 2 million KZN pupils return to school amid pandemic
FEDSAS and NAPTOSA say the Department of Basic Education has assured them that all schools will be ready to reopen with the necessary protective gear, clean water and proper infrastructure.
FEDSAS CEO Paul Colditz says children will be safer at school.
"Schools are actually a safer place than the malls and the community places where people are hanging around in these times. Schools have a controlled environment all learners and teachers should be ready to go back tomorrow."
He says the department has vowed to provide all schools with the necessary resources to continue with teaching and learning.
"We had a meeting with the Department of Basic Education on Saturday and we were given the assurance that all schools are ready and they have been provided with running water and the provision of PPEs."
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However, Naptosa president Basil Manuel says many principals are still worried about a potential lack of protective gear.
"We are worried about the supply of water in schools. We are hopeful that all is ready, but we are concerned. We hope that all the schools will be able to open, but given the history of the department, it is unlikely that all schools are fully ready."
