This archive report was first published on 13 June 2020.
South Africa's Western Cape province, the epicentre of the country's Covid-19 outbreak, has seen a significant number of cases among its teachers and students.
As of June 1, when schools reopened after a prolonged closure, at least 98 teachers and 1,800 learners in the province have tested positive for the virus, forcing 20 schools to close for disinfection.
Education MEC Debbie Schafer attributed the high number of cases to the fact that many of the infections occurred before schools reopened, with 1,537 cases reported before the reopening.
The provincial Education Department had spent R280 million (US$16.3 million) on hygiene supplies, including masks, thermometers, hand sanitiser, and cleaning supplies, to prepare for the reopening of schools.
However, opposition leader Mmusi Maimane, who is leading the One South Africa Movement, has expressed concerns about the safety of children returning to school, citing the country's high number of coronavirus cases and deaths.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has failed to respond to our letter and petition. We gave him 48 hours. He is leaving us with no choice. We have engaged Advocate Dali Mpofu and we will meet this government in court. We will not gamble with our children’s lives,” Maimane said.
