The department of basic education says it's all systems go for the next academic year, despite the challenges faced by the department this year.
Minister Angie Motshekga yesterday said this was a difficult year for the department.
She said 1,493 teachers died due to Covid-19 complications and 715 grade 12 pupils tested positive for the pandemic.
“The sector is ready for the 2021 academic year and schools will reopen on January 25 for teachers and learners are expected back on January 27. All provinces have finalised admission processes and district offices will be available to assist parents where the need arises,” she said.
Motshekga said as part of the three-year curriculum recovery plan, the department will implement the recovery annual teaching plans (ATP) in all grades from next year.
“The department has been monitoring the state of provinces on a weekly basis to ensure that they have systems in place to cope under the pandemic and to provide support where it is needed. This is done so as to ensure smooth reopening and running of schools.”
She said the department has also been working with other countries such as Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya and Rwanda to draw on lessons learnt during Covid-19 and prepare for 2021.
Motshekga said she hoped that all pupils in and up to grade 11 had received their reports and that the results are a representation of their hard work and effort.
“I wish to stress that schools are not allowed by law to withhold reports for whatever reason. We continue to receive complaints from parents whose children have not been given reports,” she said.
Director of national assessment and public examination Dr Rufus Poliah said the system was in place for orientation of pupils, teachers and non-teaching staff when schools reopen next year.
“The department ordinarily conducts the pre-closure monitoring in November of the previous year in preparation for the new academic year but it will not be conducted this year as we have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in the loss of 42 school days.
“The school readiness monitoring will be conducted between January 27 and February 12 and a follow-up assessment focusing on issues picked up at the beginning of academic year monitoring will be conducted between March 1 and 12,” he said.
