Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule
Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli and his team
Members of the Media and everybody watching at home.

Good afternoon!

It has been three weeks, since we started phasing-in the reopening of schools for the year 2021.  School Management Teams returned on 25 January; and teachers have been back at work for two weeks now, since 01 February.

The latest Amended School Calendar for 2021 as published by the Department, confirms that tomorrow – Monday, February 15, learners are going back to school. At the outset, we must emphasise that the health and safety of teachers, staff and learners remains at the top of the priority list.

Our Consolidated Directions, issued in terms of the Regulations, and published in terms of the Disaster Management Act of 2002, focusing on the reopening of schools and measures to address, prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19, were gazetted on 12 February 2021.  In the Consolidate Directions, we emphasise the critical importance of vigilance and strict adherence to the health and safety protocols, in order to save lives.  The Directions have also been distributed to schools for implementation.

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