Cosatu: Re-opening schools is not a good idea

Trade union federation Cosatu in the province has accused government of throwing pupils and teachers in a pool of the coronavirus following the decision of reopen of schools in the country.

Teachers in the province were expected to resume work yesterday however Premier, Sihle Zikalala, directed that they go back on Thursday.

The national coronavirus command council and cabinet approved the reopening of schools as of next month.

Speaking to Gagasi Fm News, Cosatu Provincial Secretary, Edwin Mkhize, says parents and teachers have raised concerns and fears over the possible rapid spread of Covid-19 in schools.

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Podcast stream by Fabrik.fm

Mkhize also says they fully support teachers Unions and other unions who are challenging the Basic Education Ministry’s decision to reopen schools.

The ministry announced that grades 7 and 12 will be the first to return to schools on the 1st of June with other grades being phased in at later dates.

He says the state of readiness on the ground is nothing to what government has announced to the media.

Listen here:
Podcast stream by Fabrik.fm

By: Sthulile Mdletshe