Motshekga welcomes the decision to close schools

BY: Surprise Golela

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga

The Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga has welcomed the cabinet's decision to close all public schools for four weeks.

In his address last night President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the closure of all public schools for the next four weeks. Ramaphosa said that schools will close from Monday 24 July and reopen again on 24 August 2020.

Motshekga said that the 4 weeks break will allow schools to prepare for the return of more grades to schools later in August.

Schools across the country reopened on 8 June for only Grade 7 and 12 pupils after they were closed in March to curb the spread of COVID-19 under lockdown level 5.

The decision to close schools now comes as the country records more than 408 000 COVID-19 cases, which puts our country to be number 1 in Africa and to be in the top 5 worst affected country in the whole world.

Grade 12 learners will reopen schools on 3 August after an only one-week break while Grade 7s will reopen on 10 August, according to the President.

Motshekga has urged communities to continue with their work during this 4 weeks break. She has also asked communities to protect schools as they were targeted the last time they closed.

Ramaphosa assured the country that even during the 4 weeks break learners would still get meals.