Home News 1,700 Northern Cape teachers have applied to work from home

1,700 Northern Cape teachers have applied to work from home

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Premier Zamani Saul says that teachers who will be working from home will be required to prepare weekly support packages and homework for learners

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WHILE 18 teachers in the Northern Cape have succumbed to the coronavirus since the start of the National State of Disaster in March 2020, a total of 1,700 educators applied to work from home in 2020 due to comorbidities.

This is according to a statement released by the Northern Cape Provincial Command Council, led by Premier Zamani Saul, on Monday.

Saul said that the provincial Department of Education has assessed the readiness of schools, in terms of adherence to the adjusted alert Level 3 regulations, ahead of the planned reopening on February 15.

“Thus far, since the start of the National State of Disaster in March 2020, 18 educators in the Northern Cape have succumbed to this deadly virus. Alert Level 3 requires the department to promote physical distancing and encourage employees to work from home, where possible. The regulations also require special measures for employees with known or disclosed health conditions or comorbidities, or with any condition which may place such an employee at a higher risk of complications or death if they are infected with Covid-19. This includes employees above the age of 60. In 2020, 1,700 educators applied to work from home due to comorbidities,” said Saul.

He added that teachers who will be working from home will be required to keep up with the academic timetable.

“Educators who will be working from home will be required to prepare weekly support packages and homework for learners. Support packages will be provided to parents with guidelines to assist learners at home. The educators will mark the work and provide feedback to the learner.”

Saul said that the department is working on ensuring that all schools adhere to Covid-19 regulations and that they are ready to welcome learners for the new academic year.

“All schools must comply with the Covid-19 regulations and guidelines before they can receive learners. Schools will make use of differentiated timetables for the phasing in of learners. Currently the need for additional classrooms in areas where an increase in learner numbers are expected is being determined. At the same time, the infrastructure needs of schools in terms of ablution facilities, sufficient water provisioning and general needs which may affect the health and safety of educators and learners are being assessed.”

Saul also urged communities not to vandalise schools during the time that they are closed.

“Schools will also be patrolled to curb burglaries and vandalism. Members of the community are urged to assist in making sure that schools are secured.”

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