Former DA leader Mmusi Maimane has launched a petition to keep schools shut after Angie Motshekga basic education minister announced that schools across the country would reopen in June.
The launch of the petition was to send a message to the government that they should not make “rushed, ill-advised and half-baked decisions” that could affect the safety and health of children.
According to Maimane the goal of the petition was to give a voice to South Africans, including teachers, parents, principals, and school governing bodies who can not voice out their concerns.
Maimane said once the petition has enough support, it will be delivered to Minister Motshekga and President [Cyril] Ramaphosa.
However SADTU (The South African Democratic Teachers Union) also said 1 June is too soon to send children back to school.
Mugwena Maluleke Sadtu General Secretary says the union conducted its survey and found that seven provinces are not ready to resume classes.
Maluleke said Western Cape and Gauteng province are at least ready for the delivery of masks for the teachers and some staff members but not for the learners.
He believes at least two months is needed to prepare thoroughly for all these particular things so that we don’t perpetuate the inequalities.
The launch of the petition was to send a message to the government that they should not make “rushed, ill-
