THE NUMBER of schools in the Northern Cape that have been closed due to Covid-19 has increased to 89.
The provincial Department of Education said there was a direct correlation between the number of Covid-19 cases in communities in the Province and the schools.
Department spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe said the majority of the schools that were closed are located in the Frances Baard, Pixley ka Seme and John Taolo Gaetsewe districts.
“The schools that are currently closed include Noupoort Combined School, Tshiamo Primary School, Rietvale High School, Roodepan High School, DL Jansen Primary School, Kathu High School, Rustfontein Primary School, Kudumane Primary School, Segonyana Primary School, Sedibeng Primary School, Itekeleng Primary School, Kim Kgolo Primary School, Emang Mmogo Combined School, Floors High School, Westerkim Primary School, Kareeville Primary School, Steynville Primary School, Visisani Primary School, Steynville High School, Bongani Primary School, Lethlakajaneng Primary School, Umso High School, Gaaesi Primary School, Wrenchville High School, Petrusville High School, West End Primary School, Sishen Intermediate School, Vaal Oranje Primary School, Eureka Primary School, De Aar Primary School, Kalahari High School, Olebogeng High School, Northern Cape High School, Letshego Primary School, Tetlanyo High School, Shesheng Primary School, Colesberg Primary School, SS Madikane Primary School, Moraladi Primary School, Ulco Primary School, William Pescod High School, Rolihlahla Intermediate School, Bankhara Bodulong High School, Dr EP Lekhela High School, Masiza Primary School, Gantatelang Primary School, Eureka Primary School in Kimberley and Valspan High School,” said Van der Merwe.
He said that 38 schools have since been reopened.
“The schools that have been reopened include Carnarvon Primary School, Enoch Mthetho High School, Ikhwezi Lokusa Primary School, Philipstown High School, Zingisani Primary School, Beacon Primary School, Veritas High School, Duineveld High School, Delta Primary School, JJ Booysen Primary School, Kimberley Christian School, Elizabeth Conradie Special School, Remmogo High School, Noord-Kaap Primary School, GN Pressly Intermediate School, Isagontle Primary School, Thabane High School, Barkly West High School, Colston Intermediate School, Vuyolwethu High School, Kuruman Primary School, Jannie Brink Special School, Shekinah Intermediate School, AJ Ferreira High School, Port Nolloth High School, Kimberley Boys’ High School, Kathu Curro School, Kimberley Technical High School, Alpha Primary School, St John’s Primary School, Emthanjeni Primary School, Newton Primary School, Kimberley Junior Primary School, Herlear Primary School, De Aar High School, Boniface High School, Du Toitspan Primary School and Kimberley Girls’ High School.”
Van der Merwe added that the department would continue to monitor the schools to ensure the safety of all pupils and education personnel.
“Not only has this pandemic disrupted the school academic year, but it has also affected the lives of many people, including our teachers and pupils. We will continue to monitor our schools and act in the best interest of our teachers and pupils as we navigate through this difficult period. We once more appeal to teachers, parents and pupils to practise good hygiene, maintain social distancing and to always wear your mask,” Van der Merwe said.
