Schools reopen on 1 June but must meet these seven criteria
Grade 7 and 12 pupils will return to classrooms on 1 June - but schools need to following strict Standard Operating Procedures.
Luke DanielbyLuke Daniel
2020-05-19 18:48
inNews
Schools hoping to welcome pupils back to their classrooms during lockdown will need to meet stringent health and safety protocols as issued by the Department of Basic Education.

Following a protracted period of uncertainty regarding the 2020 school curriculum and disruptions to the department’s initial timeline, Minister Angie Motshekga revealed her ‘back to school’ plan on Thursday evening. After consulting with various stakeholders — including teachers’ unions, the Council of Education Ministers (CEM) and the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) — Motshekga announced a revised school calendar which would see Grade 7 and 12 pupils returning to classrooms on 1 June 2020.

BACK TO SCHOOL
The proposal issued by the Department of Basic Education does, however, come with a host of caveats. Motshekga has been quick to point out that implementation of the revised school calendar, which follows a closely-monitored phased-in approach, is dependent on several variables.

In order to align with the new timetable, schools will need to meet a number of prerequisites proving an adequate state of readiness. Schools which fail to demonstrate their precautionary prowess and proactive safety measures may be barred from reopening, pending review from both local and national authorities.

REOPENING CRITERIA: HERE’S WHAT SCHOOLS NEED TO DO
The reopening of schools will follow a three-tier approach to be adhered to be institutions, including; preparatory readiness, a curriculum recovery framework and a list of Standard Operating Procedures.

If pupils are to return, schools need to:

See the return of School Management Teams and teachers (on 25 May) which will oversee the school’s state of readiness
Sanitize all classrooms and facilities (to be completed daily as part of the Standard Operating Procedures)
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Equip all school staff with personal protective equipment (PPE)
Recondition classrooms to facilitate social distancing and limit movement
Procure a sufficient number of facemasks ( to be worn at all times by all learners and staff)
Ensure access to running water and hand sanitisation stations
Ensure COVID-19 screening systems are in place
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
In addition to the state of preparedness, schools which are deemed fit to reopen will need to make drastic changes to the daily educational routine. Motshekga outlined the Standard Operating Procedures which schools would need to follow. This booklet, delivered to all schools in the country, includes:

Physical distances in classrooms, includes not more than 2 learners sharing desks;

No hugging or handshaking
Direct contact must be avoided
Cloth masks to be worn by learners and teachers at all times
No mass public events. All sports matches, choral practices and festivals, eisteddfods are not permitted
Extra classes should be arranged in small groups that maintain social distancing
Sanitize classrooms prior to the start of school day
Sanitize hands on entering of classrooms
Limit movement of learners between classes
No clustering of desks in classrooms
In addition, school staff will be provided with health and safety orientation sessions on how to help fight COVID-19 in classrooms.

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LAST UPDATE 5/21/2020, 12:26 PM
Police in the Western Cape prevented a large haul of drugs from reaching the Delft community on Wednesday 21 May. Photo: SAPS
Police make large mandrax, tik bust in Delft, Western Cape
As the lockdown continues, drug dealers continue to give police a headache, with a large supply intercepted in the Western Cape.
Dan MeyerbyDan Meyer
2020-05-21 13:09
inNews
As the lockdown rolls on, criminals are continuing to keep police on their toes, with Western Cape Police managing to confiscate a large haul of ammunition, drugs and cash en route to the impoverished community of Delft on Wednesday evening.

A variety of illegal substances including tin and mandrax was amongst the stash headed for the informal settlement, with ammunition and cash also confiscated.

TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED
Having received a tip-off, police intercepted the shipment and managed to arrest two suspects.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said that they had seized a large haul.

“Hard working Public Order Police (POP) Unit members deployed in the Bellville CBD last night responded to crucial information and headed towards Delft where they seized an assortment of drugs, ammunition, cash and arrested two suspects,” she said.

“On their first stop located on Ankerboom Road, the police officials seized 190 102 mandrax tablets, 380 grams of tik (crystal meth), 106 grams of mandrax powder and R8 900 in cash.”

AMMUNITION RECOVERED
One of the suspects, a 33-year-old man, was arrested on the spot, and he is understood to have led police to another site where more contraband, and another suspect, was discovered.

“Further information pursued led the POP team to Voorbrug Avenue, also in Delft, where they confiscated 50 units of .38 rounds and 60 units of 9mm rounds,” she said.

A 20-year-old suspect was arrested for illegal possession of ammunition. He is expected to appear in Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court, with the 33-year-old also expected to appear at the same court on Friday 22 May.

“The management of the SAPS in the Western Cape has applauded the commitment of the team of police officials who even during trying times ventured out to make community members safer,” said Potelwa.

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