The DA says the decision to close schools is not based on any scientific evidence and is in contravention with expert opinion globally
A teacher faces a packed classroom in a school in Mthatha. Picture: SUNDAY TIMES
The opposition party has accused the government of letting politics dictate the decision by capitulating to teachers’ unions, particularly the SA Democratic Teachers Union , which is a union federation Cosatu affiliate and ANC alliance partner. “Governing body associations, NGOs and medical specialists have argued to keep schools open, but these arguments have been swept aside on a wave of political expediency,” Steenhuisen said.
However, Cosatu welcomed what it said was the government’s quick response to concerns raised by the unions and other stakeholders.We are troubled, though, that the government has allowed private schools to make their own determination and decide on their own whether to close or not.Our education system already reproduces inequalities based on class and race and this decision will only perpetuate them,” spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said.
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