Coronavirus in South Africa: unions oppose school reopening

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The South African government on Sunday announced further relief from the coronavirus epidemic. Among these measures, the gradual opening of primary schools and universities from June 1. A decision that raises many concerns, especially since the country has still not reached the peak of the epidemic according to doctors and scientists of the country.

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"  It is too early to reopen the schools , we are not ready,  " said several teacher and parent organizations, opposed to a resumption of school next week. The government wants the gradual reopening of 23,000 public primary schools, which accommodate 12 million school children. And promised protective gear for teachers, including masks and hydroalcoholic gel.

"  We have not yet received anything  ," said Siphiwe Mpundgose, secretary general of the Union of South African Educators: "  It is this same government that has failed for years to deliver textbooks to us on time. and they say that by Friday we will have masks, I don't trust them. They want to put us in danger, all because they are under pressure and want to revive the economy.  "

Teachers denounce the government's rush . According to Cynthia Barnes, of the National Teachers Union, the schools have not been cleaned, some have been degraded and have not been rehabilitated. According to the police, more than 1,500 schools were vandalized in the country during these five weeks of confinement. Last weekend, two schools in Pretoria were robbed and dozens of masks for teachers stolen.

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• South Africa
• Education
• Coronavirus
• Confinement

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