Over 1 000 teachers have died to COVID-19

 By: Surprise Golela

Basic education minister Angie Motshekga says than 1 169 educators have lost their lives owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The minister revealed these figures Sunday while briefing the nation on the state of public school readiness.

 

This as millions of learners are expected to return to school on Monday morning.

Motshekga says all public schools are ready to receive pupils.

“Our management teams returned on the 25 of January. Our teachers have been at work for two weeks since the first of February doing all sort of preparations to receive our learners tomorrow [Monday].

“We’ve also amended our school calendar for 2021 as published by the department confirming that tomorrow the 15 of February, will be the first day for public schooling in 2021.

And from the outset, we want to emphasise that the health and safety of our teachers, our learners and our staff remains our top priority.”

She says measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of the virus at schools.

Motshekga also conveyed condolences to families of educators that have passed due to covid.

“The latest available figures indicate that 1 169 educators have passed away, as a direct result of Covid-19.  This year alone, up to Friday, 12 February, the number of deceased educators stands at 159; while for non-teaching staff we have recorded 63 deaths.  This is really heart-breaking, and we convey our sincere condolences to the affected families.”

Motshekga points out that she also contracted Covid-19.

“I had a severe attack. Ndiyayihlonipha,” she says.