Lesufi lays down the law as Curro moves to online learning

SA’s largest private education provider, Curro, has said it will not go ahead with in-person teaching this week.

This comes after Curro said it would open, despite the education ministry saying the restart of the schooling year should be pushed back two weeks due to rising Covid-19 infections.

Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has called for the postponement to be made official in a government gazette.

Lesufi on Monday visited a Johannesburg-based independent school that initially disregarded government’s decision to postpone the start of the academic year. The school has made a U-turn after the visit.

Helpmekaar Kollege school in Braamfontein had issued a communique to parents ordering the pupils to report for school, despite an earlier pronouncement by the deputy minister of education for pupils to return on February 15 due to surging Covid-19 infections.

Lesufi said the decision to delay the reopening of schools was based on expert advice, which considered many factors, including that Gauteng had begun to see an influx of people from outside SA, as the borders were still open and many companies were also resuming operations — meaning workers were also flocking to the province, which created great concern.

“The delay to reopen schools does not question a schools’ capability to manage the virus; it is more to help minimise the movement of people so we reduce the chances of infections. Schools may well have the means to sanitise and keep social distancing, but those learners move daily between home and schools, thereby raising the chances that young people spread this virus,” Lesufi said.

The school, which accommodates over 1,000 pupils, explained they had reopened before the DBE’s announcement — but indicated a review of their decision. Further, the school would migrate their classes to an online platform and only keep seven learners in their boarding facility, as they did not have access to online learning support at home.

Curro schools, which were also set to open their doors on Monday despite the announcement, had also agreed to halt physical classes.

“I spoke to the CEO of Curro schools and they have also agreed to retract face-to-face learning. The province is under siege from the Covid-19 virus and we need everyone to play their part,” he said.

Lesufi indicated the province was requesting the DBE ensures the two weeks’ delay is gazetted so the decision becomes law.

I spoke to the CEO of Curro schools and they have also agreed to retract face-to-face learning. The province is under siege from the Covid-19 virus and we need everyone to play their part.

—  Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi

“We will retreat for two weeks and monitor the situation; wait for the experts to advise and then make an announcement on whether we return or not. Our decision will always be based on sound, scientifically-backed advice,” he added.

In a statement on Monday, Curro Holdings CEO Andries Greyling said the private education group had an “ongoing commitment to its compliance with legislation and our unwavering support regarding the management of the Covid-19 pandemic”.

“Curro continues to balance its responsibilities towards our learners and their parents, our staff, the pressurised health sector, and our leaders every step of the way. All decisions are made with the health and safety of all in our environment, as a priority, balanced with the need to continue providing education to those who have placed their faith in us at this difficult time.

“On Sunday, January 17, we had the opportunity to meet the director-general of basic education, Hubert Mathanzima Mweli, and a delegation to obtain further clarity in terms of the closure of schools and its impact on independent schools. This was the first opportunity afforded to Curro to engage on the decision to postpone the reopening of schools.

“After careful consideration of the health crisis, we will move to online learning for grade one to 12 during this week. We would like to play our part in relieving the pressure on the health system and fight the pandemic. Schools will use this week to realign plans.

“Staff will continue to provide a full day’s classes via remote learning, from Monday to Friday each week, across grade one to 12, nationally. This arrangement will remain in place as long as is required, and we will continue to maintain regular and constructive engagement with the DBE and other key role players to ensure Curro’s support of the national health initiative,” said Greyling.