All eyes were on schools preparing to welcome back pupils after being under two months lockdown as part of the regulations set out by President Cyril Ramaphosa. A matter of hours before Grade 7 and 12 pupils were set to occupy their school desks, Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, brought plans to a grinding halt, postponing the starting date by yet another week, officially declaring that Monday June 8, schools for Grade 7 and 12 pupils will be reopened.
The decision was taken following a meeting on Saturday May 30 by the Council of Education Ministers. However, due to the late announcement, some pupils had already returned to school, while teachers were back in full force, preparing to teach pupils during Covid-19 pandemic.
Most of the schools have now introduced a check-in table at the entrance, where temperature gets checked and screening is done.
Pupils have also separated as well as desks marked to indicate that only one pupil is allowed per desk.
Sentinel Primary School welcomed a few Grade 7s and were taken through the new safety precautions at the start of the day.
Pupils also have to practice social distancing on the playground and are closely monitored by teachers.
A teacher at Kronendal Primary School explains the steps taken to safeguard them from the virus.
Cleaning staff had their work cut-off when they returned after lockdown. At Kronendal Primary School, the cleaning staff made sure the school was cleaned from top to bottom before allowing pupils staff and pupils on the premises.
Hout Bay International School teachers practising their social distancing.
