Dumsile Mbatha

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), which represents thousands of teachers and admin staff say they are concerned by the surge in Covid-19 cases.

In an interview with eNCA, the union general secretary, Mugwena Maluleke said that they have written a letter to the Minister in which they urge her to close the schools until the Corona virus peak is over. There are over 1500 teachers and learners who are infected by covid-19.

“We are going to meet with the Minister of Basic education and presents to her our resolutions about the immediate suspension of classes during this peak period,” Maluleke said.

Nonkululeko Ntshangase who is an educator at Vukasekusile High School at Escort, said that she thinks it was immature to open schools while number of infections are increasing drastically.

“It is winter and according to scientists the virus is more effective when it cold. No matter how hard we try as educators to comply with covid-19 regulations, when school is dismissed we do not know what the learners do on their way home,” she added.

However, Department of Basic Education issued a statement following a virtual meeting that was held saying that the resolution by Sadtu in which they want schools to be closed, the decision will be taken by Cabinet.

Picture: eNCA.com