NW EDUCATION RESPONDS TO ALLEGATIONS MADE BY SADTU
The North West Education department has noted with concern the statement issued by the South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (SADTU) in the province on the allegations that it misleads the public.
It is very much unfortunate that SADTU having participated in the consultative meetings with the department regarding the fight against Covid – 19. These consultative meetings were attended by all employee unions. The department agreed that, before the reopening of schools, they should ensure that there is compliance on Covid – 19 virus regulations and pre – cautionary measures.
The department closed schools on 18 March 2020 to avoid the spread of the Covid – 19 virus. To this date schools have been closed for more than 2 months due to the thread of Corona virus which has affected the entire world. This was primarily done to save lives of both teachers and learners.
In the efforts by the department to prepare for the reopening of schools, the Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) which includes masks, gloves, sanitizers and thermometers for the School Management Teams and teachers are continuously delivered across to districts.
The department has delegated the responsibility of issuing permits to teachers to the District Directors in order to fast track the process. Teachers from outside the province have been given the top priority in ensuring that they receive their permits urgently and followed by the local teachers. To this far all teacher across the province continues to receive their permits which allows them to return to their different work stations.
The North West Education MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela emphasized that schools without water will be assisted.
“I want to indicate that as a department we are working with Water and Sanitation department to ensure that all learners have access to clean and running water. The department of Water and Sanitation has committed itself to assist 248 schools.
“Already in all districts the process of training of temporary screeners and cleaners has started. The School Management Teams and the general teachers when they arrive at school, they will be screened. The School Government Bodies of many schools in the four districts have been hard at work cleaning different schools with detergents and disinfectants killing germs laying on surfaces. The process of cleaning in different school is continuing and is planned finish on Tuesday”, said MEC Matsemela.
MEC Matsemela has already communicated that teachers with comorbidities conditions should follow the process of disclosing through the filling up of disclosure forms and attaching the doctor’s medical certificate. The Human Resources division is working on those forms as well as the recruitment of teachers.
Matsemela pleaded with all teachers to report for duty when they are directed to so at their different schools and assured them that the department has complied with the Non – negotiables of the Covid – 19 virus.
The department is committed in working with all stakeholders and on informing the public accordingly on all issues affecting learners, teachers and the general employees.
End.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Elias Malindi
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 072 1154 855/072 892 8399
