The Department of Basic Education has announced that the re-opening of the country’s schools has been postponed by 2 weeks. Schools were scheduled to re-open on 27 January, but will now, only re-open for pupils on 15 February.

Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Reginah Mhaule, says teachers will have to report for duty on 1 February.

On the issue of independent/private schools, the Department says it will persuade the association of private schools to delay the opening of schools and for those who are open, to close, in line with the recommendation of schools to open on 15 February.

Early Childhood Development Centres, who are ready to open, will be allowed to do so before 15 February.

The full media statement on Cabinet's decision to delay the opening of schools for 2021 to 15 February for learners #schoolsreopening @DBE_SA @ElijahMhlanga @GovernmentZA @SAgovnews @GCISMedia pic.twitter.com/85vbPCuMFZ

— Dr Reginah Mhaule (@ReginahMhaule) January 15, 2021