16 Aug 2020

The Ministry of Basic Education has taken a decision to re-open schools in Greater Gaborone Zone in phases with priority given to completing classes.

The move follows the lifting of Greater Gaborone COVID–19 zone lockdown on August 14.

Giving an update on August 14, Minister of Basic Education, Mr Fidelis Molao said all completing classes, being standard 7, form 3 and form 5 in public schools within the Greater Gaborone COVID – 19 zone would return to school tomorrow.

He said non-completing classes in public schools would return on September 01, adding that all national mock examinations were scheduled to run on August 24, 2020.

Mr Molao further revealed that the public pre-primary classes and learners with profound and multiple disabilities countrywide would remain at home until further notice.

As for private schools, Mr Molao said they would make their own re-opening arrangements, subject to compliance with COVID–19 health protocols.
Regarding compliance with precautionary measures aimed at curbing transmission of the coronavirus, Mr Molao said schools in Greater Gaborone had been inspected for COVID–19 compliance.
Another round of inspections was undertaken on Saturday, to ensure safety and readiness of schools to receive staff and teachers.

Furthermore, the minister had said inspection was to be done at private schools on August 15 and 16 to confirm compliance prior to re-opening.

Mr Molao said the reopening of schools would be conditional to complying with COVID – 19 protocols.

He emphasised that non-compliant schools whether public or private would not be allowed to re-open.

Minister Molao stressed that as schools in Greater Gaborone reopened, strict adherence to COVID–19 protocols was  mandatory in order to ensure that schools remained safe for learners and staff.

He said more and frequent monitoring of schools’ compliance would be undertaken.

Meanwhile, after registering a COVID–19 case at Tshikinyega Primary School in Mahalapye, the school was closed temporarily, he added.

So far, 120 people from the school, including teachers and pupils have been quarantined, while contact tracing is ongoing. ENDS