We will not risk lives, Basic Education tells MPs

Mhlaule was responding to questions by members of the education committee around the department’s plans to reopen schools in May.

READ: Academic uncertainty to remain, says education expert

She confirmed that the department plans to reopen schools on May 18 and not next week Wednesday as indicated by the department's director-general Hubert Mweli.

Pupils in grades 7 and 12 pupils are expected to be the first to return to the classroom, followed by the other grades.

Children in Grade R will be the last to return to school.

"In this situation, we don't have to risk lives and at the same time we need to protect the academic year, because they are those smaller babies that would want to go to Grade R next year and Grade R's must also shift to grade 1. But, we should not compromise lives. Life is more important than an academic year, that we fully understand.”

She added: "We do have overcrowding in most of our schools, especially in the big cities. The phased-in approach will tell us how much space is required, they will come in trenches and as they come we will gather experience and improve on all the preparations we have.”

She said schools which have been torched during the lockdown will be provided with mobile classes.

Teachers and officials will also be trained to screen pupils and staff for Covid-19.