About 67 schools across Gauteng province would not reopen due to vandalism, inadequate infrastructure and a lack of water supply on Monday. This was outlined by Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi during media briefing held by the provincial command council (PCC) on Friday.
The MEC said that few challenges that were beyond their control which occurred during the lockdown is going to prevent some schools from reopening.
“The level of vandalism and theft is so severe so we can’t risk lives of learners and stuff members to go there,” said Lesufi.
He added that three schools have been damaged beyond repair during the lockdown and will therefore not reopen. Despite that the MEC stated that learners in those schools will be placed at alternative schools, including venues like churches.
He further said that other schools in the province which followed the provincial department of education’s ‘safety first’ approach would reopen as planned on Monday.
“As per this ‘safety first’ approach, schools must have been cleaned ahead of time, must have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment for staff and students, must have the necessary equipment and protocols for regular screening and must have an uninterrupted water supply with toilets that are in working order.” said Lesufi.
