11,012 teachers and support staff have been vaccinated in the Northern Cape.
CLASSES will resume on a rotational basis when the third term starts on Monday, while primary and special schools are expected to resume daily learning as from August 2.
The Northern Cape Department of Education has indicated that it is ready for the start of the third term, following a three-week winter break due to the rise in Covid-19 infections across the country.
Department spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe said on Sunday that school management teams (SMT) and support staff returned to schools on July 22 to prepare for the return of pupils and to ensure that Covid-19 protocols were in place.
“All schools will make use of the differentiated timetables (daily rotation) with the start of the third term up until August 2 unless otherwise advised by the National Command Council,” said Van der Merwe.
He added that all primary schools and special schools would resume classes as normal from August 2. “From this time, all learners will be back at school on a daily basis.
“The department will continue to utilise the risk-adjusted differentiated strategy in order to be able to respond swiftly should any school experience a challenge related to a rising Covid-19 infection rate. In addition to this, schools are required to strictly adhere to all the non-pharmaceutical protocols in order to safeguard our learners and educators.”
Van der Merwe stated that 11,012 educators and support staff had been vaccinated in the Northern Cape.
“The vaccination roll-out to the basic education sector has been completed in the Province.”
He added that schools were expected to continue adhering to the Covid-19 protocols and guidelines to limit the spread of the virus.
“All of us must continue to wear a mask, wash or sanitise our hands regularly and maintain social distancing at all times. We must remain vigilant and not let down our guard to protect ourselves against this invisible enemy.”
He noted that the Winter School Programme was held from July 12-17 at 97 schools across the Province.
“We would like to thank all principals and educators who selflessly sacrificed their vacation time in order to support our Class of 2021.
“Other interventions will include Saturday and weekend classes and the Spring School Programme to prepare Grade 12 pupils for their final exams and ensure that the curriculum is completed,” Van der Merwe concluded.
