Tebogo Msimanga |
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it is compiling papers to bring an urgent interdict to direct schools to open fully. The government’s 1m distance policy for schools means that most schools are forced to operate on a rotational basis whereby each schoolchild only attends school 50% of the time. DA leader John Steenhuisen said this policy is irrational, unjustifiable, unfair and downright outrageous.
“Most schoolchildren lost over 50% of their schooling in 2020 and 2021. Hundreds of thousands have dropped out of school altogether as a result of the indirect effects of Covid regulations.”
Steenhuisen added that in 2021 alone, some 370 000 to 700 000 learners dropped out of school, adding to the already burgeoning ranks of youth, not in education, employment or skills training.
DA leader further said rotational schooling is also causing mental distress, increased exposure to violence and abuse, and increased malnutrition from missed school meals. All of which have long-term consequences for the health and well-being of this and future generations.
“Teachers have had plenty of time to get vaccinated if they so choose. Schoolchildren cannot be made sacrificial lambs to cover for government’s inadequate vaccination campaign or for adults’ failure to get vaccinated.”
