The Northern Cape Department of Education says that no matric dances or farewell functions will be held this year
DISAPPOINTED matric pupils have been informed by the Northern Cape Department of Education that any plans to hold matric dances and farewell functions will not be allowed this year.
A parent of a matric pupil at a Kimberley school said on Friday that the school had organised to hold the traditional matric dance next weekend.
“The pupils were very excited. Many of them had bought their outfits at the beginning of the year already before the outbreak of Covid-19. This is a highlight of their school year and something that every school pupil looks forward to and plans for.”
The parent added that with the move to Level 1, the pupils and their parents believed that they would finally be able to have their dream function come true. “Arrangements were made to ensure that all the regulations and necessary precautions were in place, especially in terms of only allowing 50 percent capacity.”
He said, however, that the school had been informed by the department that no dances or farewell functions could be held this year.
“Instead, the children will now probably organise their own function which will be far more dangerous. And what about the costs that parents have incurred – will the department reimburse the parents?” he added.
The spokesperson for the Northern Cape Department of Education, Lehuma Ntuane, said on Friday that the 2020 academic year had been a challenging one for the education sector as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Normal teaching and learning was disrupted considerably and schools had to be closed for an extended period of time with a view of minimising the scourge of the pandemic on the sector. The focus is now on curriculum coverage and recovery as part of making the best out of what is left of this academic year.”
He added that no time would be spared to prepare matric pupils for the final year examinations.
“Matric farewells are time consuming to organise and that time can be utilised to revise and prepare for exams. The Minister for Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, indicated that matric dances and farewells will not be allowed for this current academic year therefore our policy is consistent with the national pronouncement.”
