BusinessLive reports that unions organising in the education sector have denied claims by Department of Basic Education (DBE) Minister Angie Motshekga that a plan regarding the reopening of school has been agreed on by stakeholders.  

The unions, including the SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu), National Teachers Union (Natu), National Professional Teachers Organisation of SA (Naptosa), Professional Educators Union (Peu) and the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysers Unie (Saou), issued a joint statement on Tuesday following a recent meeting with Motshekga to consider the state of readiness for the reopening of schools.  They said there was no truth to the impression created by the department that they were consulted and had agreed on a plan to restart schools.  “The manner in which the department is conducting itself on the consultations is causing a trust deficit with the unions and this must be addressed.  The [department must] desist from misleading the public about unions having agreed on everything.  We all want to see a smooth reopening of the schools,” the unions stated.  According to DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga, Motshekga will brief the media on Thursday “on the preparations towards the reopening of schools” and will provide details for the phased approach to the reopening of schools, including the final dates and detailed plans.  

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive

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