By Kaya News
Gauteng Education MEC Panyazi Lesufi says they have done everything possible to ensure schools are ready to open on Monday, February 15.
Lesufi says as a result of the measures they have put in place – experts have given officials the green light to open because the pandemic is under control.
The MEC gave an update on school readiness during a media briefing with the Gauteng Coronavirus Command Council.
Lesufi says at least 34 teachers have succumbed to COVID-19-related complications and the replacement process of those teachers is underway.
PPE and learning material delivered
Four-thousands teacher assistants have also joined the province.
Lesufi says they have managed to finalise the delivery of personal protective equipment and learning materials to schools.
“We have finalised the distribution of all this equipment so that our children can be safe but most importantly, our educators can execute their mandate without fear. We have also concluded the delivery of LTSM (learning, teaching and support material) textbooks and stationery. There is no single school in our province, that have been declared a section 20 school, that does not have this material,” he says.
Lesufi says they are monitoring some section 21 schools that have not concluded the buying of stationery.
New school calendar released
Meanwhile, Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, will address the nation on the national state of readiness.
Schools were initially scheduled to start the new year on January 27, but a rise in COVID-19 cases delayed teaching and learning.
The department released an updated 2021 school calendar on Wednesday.
Learners will complete 192 school days by the end of the academic year – a few days short of the normal yearly average.
Teachers have already returned to the classroom to prepare for the start of school of Monday.



