Thousands of teachers got back to school on Monday following the country’s move to lockdown Level one.
These are the teachers with comorbidities, who were given the freedom to work from home under previous levels.
The decision was made after teacher unions and the Basic Education Department made an agreement together.
Despite the concerns that ensued, some teachers had returned already.
“I was a little bit apprehensive over the weekend, but having been in the school for the two days in the week when I could pop in, I know that everything is running proper and our procedures are being adhered to,” said primary school principal Leigh Shaw-Taylor.
However, teacher unions persuaded their members to keep up with their contracts.
“You’ve got to go back. You’ve got to ensure that you aren’t in violation of your contract,” said Basil Manuel, Naptosa spokesperson.
“And if you don’t arrive back, you are then absconding.”
But if a teacher doesn’t report at work, what will happen?
“We did say to the teachers, and they know this, that continued absence without notice for 14 days becomes dismissal,” said education department spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga.
“We hope they won’t do that because they want to work and we believe they have reported for the duty this morning.”
Moreover, teachers have been given a reminder to ensure to be safe and schools have been persuaded to maintain a clean and safe environment.
