11 Jun 2020

The protection of learners against the COVID-19 pandemic in tertiary institutions is vital as schools reopen.

 This was said by Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe during a visit to Bamalete Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing.

He said although the school had been thoroughly prepared for reopening, learners should be safe even during their clinical training.

“When we train, we should not forget that we should protect them,” Dr Letsholathebe said.

However, he said, he was impressed by the school’s preparedness for reopening and further encouraged them to continue building on their good reputation.

“Bamalete Lutheran Hospital is known throughout the country for its reputable midwifery services, which could be attributed to good training among others,” he said.

Ramotswa MP, Mr Lefoko Moagi, who is also the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security said there was need for the country to improve its budget for research going forward.

He said investing in research would help the country to advance its economy.

“Even finding COVID-19 vaccine could come out of our country,” he said.

Mr Moagi further said there was need to help the hospital to continue with its ear, nose and throat (ENT) and midwifery reputation that it had built over the years.

The school principal, Ms Rosinah Ncube said the institution offered a diploma in midwifery programme which currently had 39 students.

Ms Ncube said the school closed while learners were still doing clinical practicals, which they would complete upon resumption of classes.

“Our students are midwifery and conduct deliveries during training; we will provide them with personal protective clothing as they are at risk,” she said.

Pleading for government funding, Ms Ncube informed the minister that the school had to divert funds in order to be COVID-19 compliant. Ends