`CAPE TOWN -
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) is concerned for the safety of staff and pupils after the Department of Health authorised Grade 12 pupils who test positive for Covid-19 to write their exams.
The Department of Education initially said that positively tested students would be excluded from writing exams, however, the departments agreed these students are now eligible to write if a different venue and secure conditions are used.
“We welcome the intervention by the Department of Health given that a pupil that tests positive becomes a responsibility of the Department of Health and no longer an education issue,” said Education Minister Angie Motshekga.
“The initial protocol of the Department of Basic Education was widely consulted and endorsed by the Department of Health, but this change in the protocol is very helpful because it will give all pupils an opportunity to write their examinations,” she said.
ALSO SEE: MOTSHEKGA: WE LOOKING FOR BETTER WAYS TO SOCIAL DISTANCE AT SCHOOLS
Meanwhile, SADTU General Secretary, Mugwena Maluleke, says they were not consulted and that principles were confused on what to do as they had protocols in place ahead of exams.
Maluleke added that teachers did not have a problem with the pupil's writing, but that they were not equipped to be able to deal with the situation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuO76Q6WJNo
For LIVE updates on the Coronavirus pandemic, follow us on Twitter:
@sacoronamonitor