Schools open or shut?
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VIEW: Teachers unions demand shutdown of schools VIEW: Teachers unions demand shutdown of schools
It's an anxious wait for thousands of pupils and teachers as Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and teacher unions are set to continue their stand off this week amid fake news reports about the closure of schools as Coronavirus infections peak.
On Saturday night, South Africa had 350 879 confirmed Covid-19 cases, an increase of 13 285 cases since Friday, with a total of 4948 fatalities.
The unions demand a total shutdown of schooling this month, with full pay for teachers.
By last night, no decision about the closure of schools was announced by government.
Motshekga’s spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga dismissed reports that Ramaphosa had ordered the minister to cancel schooling.
Mhlanga wrote: “There is news of our President calling on Minister Angie Motshekga to cancel the school year. That is not true, please do not fall prey to fake news. When in doubt check the source, and confirm the news via reputable news sites.”
Motshekga has been locked in meetings with unions since Friday over the closure of schools and was reportedly due to make an announcement about a decision last night.
DECIDE: Minister Angie Motshekga
However, Mhlanga was not available last night to confirm whether the Education Department would go ahead with phasing in the return of Grade 3 and 10 to school today.
Union leaders said they were also still awaiting Motshekga’s response to their demand following their meeting on Friday.
They said Motshekga promised that she would present their demands to the cabinet, the nine provincial MECs for education and the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) on Saturday before making any final decision on the matter.
Naptosa’s executive director Basil Manuel said teachers should report for duty while waiting for Motshekga’s report.
“It will be normal schooling on Monday until the minister reacts to our demands.
“Teachers still have various things to do before closing the schools. We are expecting her response this week,” Manuel said.
Meanwhile, five unions have called on Motshekga to continue paying teachers if a decision is taken to suspend school.
They argued that teachers have been working overtime doing school work, including teaching during after hours, weekends and holidays without overtime payment.
National Teachers Union (Natu) President Allen Thomson said in addition teachers were “using their own data” to dispense homework over WhatsApp.
“They are not compensated by anyone, and there is no public servant who does this.”
He said if Motshekga insisted on stopping salaries, unions were likely to call on teachers to strictly work an 8am to 4pm shift, “which means we are not likely to finish the curriculum.”