Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi visited Cornwall Hill College in Irene, Pretoria, on Monday morning following allegations of racism at the school.

Last week, at the school’s annual fund-raising golf day at the Pretoria Country Club, parents held a peaceful protest against the racism experienced by their children at the school as well as the lack of diversity and the slow pace of transformation.

Parents and learners also gathered at the school this morning. They handed a memorandum against racism and the lack of transformation at the school to the school management and to Lesufi.

Parents also called on the school’s principal to resign for what they say is his failure to ensure an anti-discriminatory and non-racial environment at the school.

Learners at the school shared their traumatic experiences on video. Some said their teachers told them that black people come from apes.

Others said they have been referred to as “bloody k*ffirs”.

The learners also said they are not allowed to speak their mother tongues at the school and their natural hair is often called messy and dirty.

Singo Ravele, a learner at the school, shared how racism at the school has affected her.

Singo shared her first and most vivid memory when she was only in the fourth grade.

I was so happy to he accepted into the school, she said.

“And as a child I began to imagine a fairy-tale for myself. And that didn’t happen. Very soon that dream died,” said the girl.

“It died when a community that I loved did not love me back.

“And although I managed to find friends,” she said and began to cry, covering her face with her hand.

At this point, another girl walked to Singo at the podium holding the placard: “Racists must leave Cornwall Hill College”. The words “racists” and “leave” boldened and highlighted in red. The girl stood at Singo’s side, silent.

Singo’s father walked to her at the podium and held her.

Other learners screamed words of encouragement and began to clap.

“… and although I managed to find friends,” Singo said, her voice breaking, “I didn’t manage to escape the discrimination.”

“And that is not a dream at all. It is a nightmare,” she said.

This is not the first time that Cornwall Hill College is In the news because of racism.

Former Cornwall Hill College learner Kholofelo Mashitisho said, “I went to Cornwall Hill College, I am so glad these kids are doing what we were scared to do. I am proud.”

She added that at the high school, “you raise your voice, you get expelled”.

Another former pupil and head boy said: “I stand and fully support the class of 2021 calling out racism and standing up for a fully inclusive CHC (sic). Why has the school’s leadership ignored such accounts of racism for so long? Racists are not welcome, they must leave,” he said.

Addressing parents, media and learners this morning, Gauteng education MEC said: “I am worried about time, we committed that we will conclude this session by 07:30 so that we can demonstrate to those that think we are not human beings that we can adhere to time as well.

Lesufi said they, “these people”, may have oppressed our grandparents and succeeded. They may have oppressed our parents and succeeded, but they will not oppress our children and our children’s children, said Lesufi.

“It ends here, and it stops here,” said Lesufi.

He said his discussion with the school leadership was clear in that the school management had to go back to the negotiating table and make it clear everyone is very welcome in the school.

This was met with applause.

He added that the school management must stop “with the obsession with the hair of our children”.

In his address, Lesufi declared “racism ends here and goes no further”. The MEC made commitments that the school will have teachers that represent everyone.

He said all the policies will be reviewed so that they become accommodative.

The South African Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago, also took part in the morning protest.

Kganyago said his protest was done in his capacity as a parent and not as the SARB governor.

Kganyago held a placard with the words: “We stand by our children. No to racism”.

Kganyago ‘s daughter is a learner at the school.

He said there is systemic racism at Cornwall Hill College.

“The number of black learners has never been more than 25%. Secondly, the school has 66 educators and five of them are black and three of those black educators are concentrated in the Sepedi department,” Kganyago said.

Learners at the school also said there were incidents of racism including being separated at the tuckshop lines based on race. White learners would have their own line, while black learners had their own line.

Lesufi said that no one was out for revenge for what had happened in the past but he was pleading for inclusivity.

“We will have teachers that represent all of us and all the policies will be reviewed, so I urge you to protect this school. But in protecting this school, we must not protect the wrong things. Even those that hate non-racialism, this is the future and no one can stop it,” Lesufi said.

Singo penned three testimonies into the addendum that was later handed to Lesufi and the school’s management.

Singo said her first and very vivid memory of racism happened when she was only in the fourth grade. She said she was  happily on my way to break when a teacher stopped her.

“She had this big frown that swallowed me whole.

“She looked me dead in the eyes and said, ‘Your hair’s unpresentable, it is messy and it’s not the Cornwall way.’ She also proceeded to tell me that I would look better if I chemically straightened my hair.

“When I got older, I became angry. I was stripped from my African identity. And that was one time, one moment, one person,” she said.

Leon Kunneke, Executive Principal at Cornwall Hill College said the school was aware at the peaceful protest action around diversity and transformation of the school. He said the school acknowledges the parents’ pleas and recognise the importance of active and inclusive engagement.

He said the school’s board is unequivocally committed to transformation.

“Matters relating to diversity are being revisited,” he said.

“They include hair policy, anti-discriminatory policy and a framework where matters of concern raised by pupils, past and present, could be addressed,” said Kunneke.

 

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Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has called on Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education to institute an enquiry into Equal Education’s fitness to work with children following the untimely death of a minor, who died at a camp that was organised by Equal Education.

This comes after 15-year-old grade 10 pupil from Xolani High School in the Eastern Cape Avethandwa Nokhangela drowned while attending a leadership camp at Palm Springs Resort outside East last month.

Makaneta said the teaching community is extremely disturbed by the news of the untimely death of Avethandwa passing.

Makaneta asked that the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education institute an enquiry into Avethandwa’s death “with a view to ensure that the NGO is held accountable for the incident that has caused trauma and shock to the entire country”, he said.

“It should be clear from preliminary reports that Equal Education failed to protect the life of Avethandwa, and they should therefore take full responsibility and apologise to the nation.

“Equally they should offer to appear before the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education even before they are called to explain themselves,” said Makaneta.

Equal Education has since released a statement that its law centre is leading an independent investigation and will conclude a fact-finding process.

The NGO said its national council has appointed an independent panel to review the process and make finding on the circumstances surrounding learner’s passing.

“It has not been easy to respond to some criticism in the media around the immediate disclosure of what happened on 29 April.

“We believe that the compassionate approach – which was to prioritise support to the grieving family, learners and our staff – was the correct one in the circumstances. We also chose to respect Avethandwa’s family’s request for space after laying her to rest. Not only would divulging details in these circumstances have been insensitive and uncaring, it would prejudice the Equal Education Law Centre’s fact finding inquiry and the work of the independent panel,” said the Equal Education’s board.

Last week Department of Basic Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga also criticised the NGO.

“So many unanswered questions yet Equal Education is nowhere to take responsibility and shed light publicly on what really happened regarding Avethandwa’s death,” said Mhlanga.

In response, Equal Education’s Professor Mary Metcalfe said the loss of Avethandwa is terrible – and in such tragic circumstances for the family.

“But it is unfair to take such a hostile attitude to Equal Education. Let the enquiry inform us of what can all learn from this incident,” said Metcalfe.

Adding that she regards the NGO as an asset to the country.

Mhlanga, Like Makaneta, said the department has not taken a hostile attitude against the NGO but that Equal Education must account like everyone else.

Makaneta said Equal Education as an NGO should not only fight for equality, but they must also obey the laws of the country by ensuring that the lives of the children under their care are protected.

“It cannot be correct that such a young life was lost whilst under the care of the NGO,” he said.

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NYAKALLO TEFU| 

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NFSAS) has broken its silence on the death of eThekwini TVET College student, Yonwabo Manyanya.

According to media reports Manyanya died of hunger and fatigue at the age of 26 after NSFAS failed to pay her allowance and tuition fees and she was evicted from her college residence.

She allegedly died of hunger and fatigue after spending three days sleeping outside campus.

NSFAS has denied allegations that it delayed the eThekwini student’s payment.

“There are allegations in the public domain that NSFAS has delayed paying allowances to cover the cost of accommodation time and that Manyanya subsequently suffered from fatigue and hunger as a consequence of this delay. These allegations are factually incorrect, based on information we have, and that the college has,” said NSFAS.

NSFAS said for funding to continue, a student is required to meet the NSFAS progression requirements.

Sibongile Mncwabe, Chief Corporate Services Officer said while Manyanya was a NSFAS funded student in 2020, for the 2021 academic year her funding had not been confirmed.

“The information on NSFAS record is that Ms Manyanya had not met the progression criteria at the time of her passing. She is part of a group of students whose progression status was continuously being queried with the college.  

“The facts of the communication clear NSFAS of any connection to this tragic incident. It is unfortunate that this tragic incident is being used inaccurately and unfairly in an insensitive manner to the family and to defame NSFAS. This misleading, unfortunate and opportunistic approach is viewed in contempt by NSFAS and individuals spreading this inaccurate communication should be ashamed,” said Mncwabe.

The delays in NSFAS funding have caused much outrage across institutions of higher education.

“The facts of the communication clear NSFAS of any connection to this tragic incident. It is unfortunate that this tragic incident is being used inaccurately and unfairly in an insensitive manner to the family and to defame NSFAS. This misleading, unfortunate and opportunistic approach is viewed in contempt by NSFAS and individuals spreading this inaccurate communication should be ashamed,” said Mncwabe.

Mncwabe said the financial aid, together with eThekwini TVET College, shared communication with the Department of Higher Education and Training explaining Manyanya’s funding status.

“The facts of the communication clear NSFAS of any connection to this tragic incident. It is unfortunate that this tragic incident is being used inaccurately and unfairly in an insensitive manner to the family to defame NSFAS,” added Mncwabe.

Manyanya was studying towards a diploma in electrical and infrastructure construction at eThekwini TVET College.

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Archaeologist and biological anthropologist, Keneiloe Molopyane, has been recognised as a trailblazer by the prestigious National Geographic Society.

Molopyane has been announced as part of the National Geographic Society’s 2021 Emerging Explorer cohort.

“It’s been overwhelming. Since I found out, I’ve had little time to sit back and realise what it all means. I think it’s still sinking in,” said Molopyane.

According to the National Geographic Society, the Emerging Explorer cohort includes individuals breaking through in their respective fields with big ideas. These individuals are then nominated by the National Geographic Society to become a part of the global National Geographic Explorer community of changemakers.

Alex Moen, Chief Explorer Engagement Officer at the National Geographic Society said Molopyane was selected as a member of this cohort because she exemplifies what it means to be a National Geographic Explorer.

“Through her work as an archaeologist and biological anthropologist, and her focus on inspiring the next generation, Keneiloe is advancing our understanding of the world and all that’s in it,” said Moen.

What this means for Molopyane is she will have the opportunity to work with National Geographic to pursue new projects, collaborate with other Explorers, amplify her work to National Geographic audiences, and do educational outreach through the Society.

She will also participate in public speaking and media training, and will attend this year’s Explorers Festival virtually in June.

Molopyane joined the Rising Star Cave research team in 2018 as a junior underground astronaut.

She completed her PhD in biological anthropology at Wits in 2020, and then became involved in the UW105 Cave excavations, where she took on a leadership role in the expedition.

Molopyane has since become the first postdoctoral research fellow at the Wits Centre for Exploration of the Deep Human Journey.

The centre is headed up by fellow Wits graduate and National Geographic Explorer at Large, Professor Lee Berger.

Molopyane joins a group of 14 other scientists, educators, and storytellers in the 2021 Emerging Explorer cohort – a group of people whose fields of expertise are as diverse as culinary history and marine biogeochemistry.

“They’re amazing people, phenomenal. I feel proud to represent Africa, and hope to see more Africans receiving the same recognition in the coming years,” said Molopyan.

She added that she has met her cohort via Zoom but hopes for the opportunity to soon be together in the same room with them.

Molopyane’s postdoctoral research will entail deep exploration of the famous Gladysvale Cave system which is located in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.

Molopyane will graduate with her PhD at Wits in the July graduations this year. She joins the ranks of more than five other Wits graduates that hold the title of National Geographic Explorer.

“I’ve been telling people for a long time that I am an explorer, but now the title is official,” she said.

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NALEDI SHOTA| 

Teacher unions want their members to be the next in line to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and have even written to the ministers of basic education and health to present their case on why teachers must be next in line for vaccination. 

Inside Education spoke to at least two leaders of the five teacher unions, who are represented in the Education Labour Relations Council, who confirmed that they wrote a letter to the ministers in the past week “asking for their support in this matter”.

They are yet to receive a response. 

The joint letter was written by the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu), National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa), Professional Educators Union, National Teachers Union and the South African Teachers’ Union. 

There are about 400 000 teachers in the system. 

Mugwena Maluleke, General Secretary of Sadtu said teachers need to be vaccinated now in June before they open for the third term. He said the initial plan was that they were going to be vaccinated in April. 

“If we do that, we are then able to deal with their anxieties and their fears.  They can use the period of June recess to ensure that they prioritise the teachers. If they are not able to prioritise all the teachers then they can target those who are at risk, being those who are 50 years and above. 

“But it will be preferable before we start campaigning and demonstrating, to ensure that by the 26 of July at least the teachers are being vaccinated because the more the delay around the vaccination the more education is going to be affected,” he said. 

All primary school learners are expected back at school on 26 July following a gazette by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga. The gazette states that all learners at special education needs schools will also be going back on the same day. 

Basil Manuel, Naptosa Executive Director said teachers must also be regarded as frontline workers. In fact teachers come into contact with large groups of people compared to the police, for example, he said. 

“We are not trying to muscle out the over 60s and the people with comorbidities but we are saying we must be next because it serves more than one purpose. If we get it, parents become settled that their children are safer and secondly it also encourages parents to register when their time comes,” said Manuel. 

He also said that the concern now was that young people in high schools are also showing that they are susceptible to the virus. 

“Did you know that there were more than 80 schools closed in the Free State in the last week because of Covid cases,” said Manuel. 

Last week MEC for Education in the Free State, Tate Makgoe, tweeted that a learner at a school in Welkom had died from Covid-19 related complications and that at the same school eight learners tested positive. The school was closed and only opened on Monday. 

Last month 79 schools were closed in the Northern Cape because of a rise in infections, 18 schools still remain closed. 

Manuel said last Thursday the five unions also sent out a survey to their members to gauge their attitude on being vaccinated. In the last survey the union did, which came out in February, 52% and 76% of principals and teachers respectively were willing to be vaccinated. 

“By the end of the week we will know the outcome and I’m certain we are going to have a new number. I am projecting more than 80% more positive about [being] vaccinated now, said Manuel. 

Mugwena said they were prepared to face the argument that the government cannot prioritise people that are 40 years and younger “at the expense of everyone else who is 60 years and above because those are candidates to death.”

“So, education has to take that into consideration. Those who are younger than 50 years might be delayed. But at least prioritise the 50 years and above, those with comorbidities and the learners with comorbidities.

“It is a push as the union we are involved in. We have been having several meetings with the department about this,” he said.  

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NYAKALLO TEFU| 

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is embarking on a nationwide anti-bullying intervention drive in schools.

The drive is being launched as bullying in schools has been an issue across the country.

Inside Education reported Lufuno Mavhunga, a learner from Mbilwi Secondary School in Limpopo,  took her own life following a bullying incident. 

A video went viral showing another learner at the school slapping Lufuno across the face several times. 

The girl then took pills and left a letter where she said she could not stand the embarrassment. 

DBE Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the department is pleased to partner with sister departments, social partners and key stakeholders for this anti-bullying intervention initiative in an effort to curb bullying often involving learners, teachers and sometimes community members.

Mhlanga said thousands of people called on the national department to take action against bullying at schools especially with the increased spotlight as a result of the proliferation of social media.

Mhlanga said the campaign is set to begin 28 May under the theme ‘School Safety – Violence and Bullying Prevention Initiatives’.

He said the initiative aims to mobilise learners, parents, teachers and key stakeholders in promoting a safe learning environment for quality education and galvanise constructive community involvement in schools to curb incidents of bullying and violence.

Adding that two-hundred and fifty learners and their parents from neighbouring schools benefit from the programme, while School Management Teams (SMT)of schools within the vicinity will form part of the programme. 

The DBE has partnered with sister departments, social partners and key stakeholders for the anti-bullying intervention initiative. 

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NYAKALLO TEFU| 

The University of the Free State (UFS) will provide critical mentoring and coaching for young academics in support of their career progression to senior academic levels.

The programme, called the Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme, was first launched in the second semester of 2019 where two groups were chosen to participate. 

The university said the programme will focus on the holistic development of the skills and attributes of emerging scholars in the core functions of teaching and learning, research, community engagement, and academic leadership in preparation for their roles as future professors and academic leaders.

“I am most excited about the opportunity to be part of the transformation of the Professoriate and will be part of it for at least three years,” said Public Law lecturer, Dr Clive Vinti.

Vinti said he thinks the programme is fundamental to the progression to the post of professor for young academics since it seeks to eliminate barriers to this promotion.

“The programme provides a diverse range of support activities to prepare young academics for the complexity of academic careers,” said manager of the mentoring programme, Dr Henriëtte Van den Berg.

Van den Berg said this programme was especially important during 2020, amidst the constraints of COVID restrictions, virtual teaching and learning and remote learning.

UFS said the programme currently has 75 participants, representing all faculties. 

“I am optimistic about the future of the institution when I look at the quality of young academics that were selected for the programme,” said Dr Van den Berg. 

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South Africa’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said it found the Covid-19 schools decontamination procurement contracted by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to be “unlawful, haphazard and unfair”.

SIU said it has been granted a preservation order to the value of R40.7 million by the Special Tribunal to freeze bank accounts and assets belonging to 14 service providers that were contracted by Gauteng Education to decontaminate schools to the tune of R431 million.

SIU Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the investigation by SIU revealed that the Gauteng Education Department did not follow due process in the procurement of services to decontaminate schools during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The SIU approached the Special Tribunal for preservation order to freeze accounts with the sum of R6 million and assets with an estimated value of over R4.7 million belonging to seven companies, five individuals and two family trusts.

“Some of the names of companies who were appointed to decontaminate schools were supplied to the provincial education department via WhatsApp by the department’s own officials,” said Kganyago.

Adding that the majority of the companies whose assets have now been frozen were not only unaccredited but were not even based in the province.

Kganyago said the order includes assets such as two Mercedes Benz V Class, Landrover, Range Rover Sport, Haval H6 and Toyota Avanza.

He added that the collaboration with the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) was very effective.

“The FIC assisted – and based on the information presented by the investigating team, issued intervention directions to place a hold on R30 million of the funds received from the Education Department,” said Kganyago.

He added that the action was pursued after seven service providers started withdrawing the funds received from the department.

“A portion of the funds were transferred to multiple beneficiaries who have, in turn, disposed of them,” he said.

Between June and August 2020, the Gauteng Department of Education spent more than R431-million on sanitising schools.

The money was paid to hundreds of companies, many of which appeared to have no expertise or prior involvement in the cleaning industry.

At the time, departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona said the large expense could be justified in that it was necessary to allay fears of teachers, unions, SGBs and parents.

Kganyago said the procurement process followed by GDE was “haphazard, unfair and littered with procurement irregularities”.

He said the department obtained a deviation under Treasury regulations to conduct the procurement process without inviting competitive bids.

“The department did so on the basis that emergency procurement was warranted, given the urgent and pressing need to appoint service providers to decontaminate schools exposed to Covid-19,” said Kganyago.

Adding that the Treasury expressly stated that the request for the deviation appoint accredited service providers from the Central Supplier Database.

However, this was not done. The SIU investigation revealed that the department failed to comply with the express requirement of the deviation.

Kganyago said the vast majority of service providers that were appointed,173 out of 280, were not accredited and were not on the CSD.

“On this basis alone, the SIU will argue before the Special Tribunal that the procurement process was unlawful and falls to be reviewed and set aside,” he said.

Adding that the investigation also revealed that the procurement process was not cost-effective.

“The service providers were not paid per square meter of the area cleaned. Rather, a senior official in the department appears to have arbitrarily decided to offer a fee of R250 000 to R270 000 for the decontamination of primary schools; R250 000 to R290 000 for secondary schools; and R250 000 to R300 000 for district offices.

“The fees bear no relation to the work done by service providers or the cost of material used. The selection and appointment of suppliers was done in a haphazard, unfair and inequitable manner,” said Kganyago.

The order prohibits Fikile Mpofana Pty Ltd, Insimu Projects Pty Ltd, Insimu Consulting Pty Ltd, Insimu Medical Group, Mangaliso Pty Ltd, Lisondalo Pty Ltd, Zenaldo Consulting Pty Ltd, Sigwile Bright Mhlongo, Fikile Eugenia Mpofana, Lindokuhle Bridget Mkhize, Njabulo Mabaso, Richard Mweli, Shuphula Family Trust, and Madangu Family Trust from dealing with the funds held in the bank accounts and assets.

Kganyago said the SIU would in the next month launch review proceedings in the Special Tribunal, and also seek an order against the service providers to pay back all profits as consequence of their appointment.

He added that evidence pointing to criminal conduct will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority, as well as the Hawks in the South African Police Service for further action.

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A teacher in the Free State had told Inside Education that the education authorities in the province and the Department of Education (DBE) “does not really care” about their health and safety.

This comes after one of the screeners at the educator’s school tested positive for Covid-19.

The teacher said they were told to come back to school only two days after the incident even though the screener had been in contact with everyone at the school.

“On Monday the school had to close down because one of the screeners tested positive. The shocking part is that they only gave the schools two days to fumigate and do everything.

“My main concern is how are they allowing us to come back after two days when that lady was in contact with everyone at school,” said the teacher who cannot be named for fear of victimisation.

Just yesterday, Free State Education MEC Tate Makgoe reported that a learner from Lephola Secondary School in Thabong, Welkom has died from Covid-19 complications.

Makgoe said the school was closed on Wednesday following the incident and will re-open on Monday.

The MEC said eight learners have also tested positive for the virus and eight more are awaiting the results.

One learner succumbed to the Covid 19 related complications, said Makgoe.

The Free State province has been hard hit by the pandemic.

Covid-19 numbers have in recent weeks been rising in the Free State, leading some to fear that the province might be at the beginning of a third wave of infections.

Questions are also being asked about the ability of the healthcare system to cope with a potential third wave and its ability to rapidly roll out vaccines.

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), at a provincial level, the Free State province is currently experiencing a third wave. As of Thursday, 102 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported with four deaths Eastern Cape, six in the Free State, 24 in Gauteng, four KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo five, Mpumalanga four, North West 45, Northern Cape 0 and Western Cape nine which brings the total deaths in the country to 56 077.

NICD said in the past week, the Northern Cape Province reported the highest weekly incidence risk at 170.3 cases per 100 000 persons. This is followed by the Free State Province with 83.2 cases per 100 000 persons and the North West Province at 41.4 cases per 100 000 persons.

The Free State teacher said, “We are at risk but we were told we are going to have to come back with a stringent plan in terms of how we are going to have to make up for the time lost.”

“This is when we realised that these people are saying no to our request to stay for a week at home and self isolate. We may as well go back to school after those two days,” said the educator.

The educator added: “Sometimes the sad reality is that as much as Covid-19 is killing people, we are being requested to be at school and apply all these rules. In the end, they don’t really care.”

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The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has condemned the circulation of fake news on different social media platforms, stating that public schools will shut down between 26 May and 28 June.

The fake news poster comes after calls made by unions in the country to shut down schools following the acceleration of Covid-19 infection rates across schools in South Africa.

This also follows the department’s decision to immediately suspend all contact sport at schools last week.

DBE Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the national department was aware of a manipulated image doing rounds purporting to be an announcement from DBE Minister Angie Motshekga.

Mhlanga said the department wished to dismiss the poster and image as fake news.

“We continue to urge members of the public to be vigilant and verify sources of information they read before sharing it on social media.

“This kind of malicious content is created with the express intent to cause confusion and mislead the public,” said Mhlanga.

Mhlanga added that the department will use credible media platforms to communicate should there be developments in the sector.

The Educators’ Union of South Africa (EUSA) last week called for the immediate shutdown of all South African schools.

EUSA said this is because some provinces are experiencing the beginnings of the third wave coronavirus outbreak. The union said public schools still lacked PPEs and this was the cause of the increased cases of infected learners and teachers.

Scelo Bhengu, EUSA President, said with Gauteng, Free State and the Eastern Cape having declared that they have reached a third wave, it is inevitable the whole country will be in third wave soon.

Bhengu said Kwazulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the North West and the Western Cape have been reported to also be experiencing sustained increases over the last few weeks.

“Schools are central to the contribution of the resurgence as safety protocols are being ignored mostly by principals,” said Bhengu.

South Africa is seeing a resurgence in Covid-19 cases.

Last week the Council of Education Ministers took a decision to suspend all contact sports in schools with immediate effect. DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the cancellation of contact sports comes after provinces such as Gauteng, North West and the Free State saw a rise in Covid-19 cases among learners. 

“It is evident that despite following the protocols as guided by the directions on extramural activities and standard operating procedure on the prevention, containment and management of Covid-19 in schools, contact sports events still contribute to the spread of Covid-19,” said Mhlanga.

Cabinet is set to meet on Wednesday to discuss recommendations from the national coronavirus command centre on how to address the virus threat.

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