On Tuesday, Department of Basic Education (DBE) Minister Angie Motshekga announced that all teachers in public schools had to go back to work on Monday in preparation for the return of pupils currently in Grades 7 and 12 on June 1.

Motshekga said those teaching other grades were needed at schools in an attempt to split classes into smaller groups so that physical distancing protocols may be maintained. 

But as they reported for duty on Monday, it was determined that a teacher from The Hague Primary School in Delft had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. 

Spokesperson for the MEC of Education Kerry Mauchline confirmed the news. 

“We have received a report of a positive Covid-19 case at The Hague Primary. 

“Whenever an employee tests positive or is exposed to someone testing positive, the necessary protocols are followed as prescribed by the Department of Health and occupational health and safety measures. 

“The school will be sanitised accordingly.

“Those who have been in close contact, for example a handshake or a hug, with a confirmed positive case are required to self-isolate for 14 days from their last contact with the individual,” Mauchline said.

Wilma Adams, a teacher from The Settlers High School in Bellville, said her nervousness about returning to school has subsided because she believes the school has been transparent in liaising with staff. 

“I’m fairly confident about coming back to school today. The school has kept us well informed about the measures they are taking and there’s been constant feedback from the senior managers of the school. 

“I was a little anxious at first, but I must say with the feedback, we are confident and we are prepared,” Adams said. 

But her colleague Melikhaya Nongauza said although he loves the school, he is scared not only for himself, but also for his colleagues and the pupils, who might contract Covid-19. 

The Western Cape has been deemed the epicentre of the coronavirus in South Africa, with the health department recording a total of 14,740 cases, with 6,525 recoveries and 281 deaths, accounting for 65.3% of the country's infections as of Sunday, May 24. 

The country currently has 22,583 cases of Covid-19, with a total of 11,100 recoveries and 429 deaths.

African News Agency (ANA)