EDITORIAL
The National Coronavirus Command Council’s (NCCC) decision to delay the opening of schools appears to have struck a nerve in some communities.
Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi paid a visit to Helpmekaar College in Braamfontein, Johannesburg on Monday. This comes after reports surfaced that the school had allegedly sent out newsletters to parents informing them that all learners should report to school yesterday.
The school’s call, some have argued, contravened the NCCC regulations that the reopening of schools be delayed by a further two weeks. Schools should open from February 15 onwards, owing to the fact that the country is grappling with the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some private schools, which had opened their doors for the new year last week, have since continued the school curriculum online lessons, among other interventions.
This is not the only instance where some school governing bodies have taken matters into their own hands. Reports surfaced that the Curro group informed parents last week that face-to-face learning would continue. That plan has also since been abandoned.
The disturbing trend is that some private schools are hell-bent on ensuring that children are back in class while public schools remain closed.
The issue of children going back to school urgently is a priority. It is one that concerns all parents and caregivers, regardless of their socio-economic standing. Schooling during a pandemic era should not be an issue of classism. The preoccupation of parents should be whether all schools have the capacity and resources to ward off further infections.
Teachers are not safe. A high number of them were infected last year while many succumbed to Covid-19-related illnesses.
As our government holds consultations on the future of our schools, it needs to find new and innovative ways to ensure that learning continues at all schools without any risks being taken.
The government is not the only stakeholder that needs to act responsibly. All parents and school governing bodies need to be mindful of the Covid-19 regulations.
We can’t afford to work against one another at a time like this. Everyone needs to band together, whether it be the private or public school community.
The Star