This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
South Africa's schools are facing a new challenge as the country struggles to contain the spread of Covid-19. Just over two weeks after the reopening of schools, a boarding school in the Eastern Cape has been closed after 204 people, mostly learners, tested positive for the virus.
According to reports, Makaula Senior Secondary School in KwaBhaca has been shut down, bringing the total number of Eastern Cape schools currently closed to 132. However, 40 schools that were previously closed have been reopened after being disinfected.
The Educators Union of South Africa (Eusa) has expressed concerns over the reopening of schools, stating that the timing was poorly chosen. In a statement, Eusa said, 'Our appeal is for the Government to review its decision to reopen schools. We opine with great conviction that the decision to reopen primary and high schools was the wrong one.'
Eusa also highlighted the risks associated with the spread of Covid-19 in schools, particularly during the winter season. 'The Coronavirus thrives under cold conditions and will also augment and exacerbate the onset of the flu and tuberculosis,' the union stated.
Other education stakeholders, including the National Association of School Governing Bodies and the National Teachers Organisation of South Africa, have also called for the closure of schools. Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, however, remains committed to keeping schools open, saying, 'We will continue to work hard in schools to make sure that we protect our learners, teachers and employees within schools.'
