Basic education minister Angie Motshegwa provided an outline on how schools will continue with the process of teaching and learning. She provided a revised academic calendar, the number of staff who lost their lives due to covid 19 and the rollout of vaccination.

Motshega said the final call on whether schools are reopening will be confirmed by the president during his brief on Sunday evening. “Schools and management teams have already gone back to work,  as from 22 July 2021 to prepare for the return of learners and teachers on Monday 26 July 2021” she added.

The issue of school vandalism that happened during the unrest was mentioned. The minister mentioned that funds are already in place and schools affected will be closely monitored. The minister also urged communities to protect their schools.

Minister of Higher education and Training also held a brief conference on vaccination of staff members. Higher education staff members will start receiving their vaccine jabs from today 24 July 2021.

The targeted age group is 35 and above for now “The reason why we are opening to 35 years and above in our sector  is because of the guidelines from the department of health” said Blade Nzimande, minister of higher education.

The vaccination process will resume on Saturday, however vaccination sites are limited. The government’s initial target is to vaccinate 70% or more staff members within 3 weeks.

“Additional sites across Johannesburg, Tshwane, Cape Town, Gcebega, and eThekwini starting from Monday July 26” explains Nzimande on how the process will be implemented. The department also indicated that students will be vaccinated after staff members. Students in residencies will be first on the line followed by the rest.

The higher education pleads with all staff members and students to vaccinate before resuming of contact classes.