News24 reports that a survey has found that teachers spend a large part of their school day pleading with pupils to adhere to Covid-19 protocols.  

Also, and notwithstanding that the reopening of schools has been pushed back, teachers feel their concerns have not been fully addressed.  The online professional learning community, Zibuza.net, has conducted multiple surveys since the start of the pandemic in 2020.  The most recent survey, which was conducted before the reopening of schools was pushed back to 15 February, focused on teachers' concerns, especially amid the second wave and the new virus variant.  According to Zibuza.net’s Malcolm Mooi, teachers are sceptical about what improvements can realistically be made between now and the new date for reopening of schools.  The Zibuza.net survey relied on feedback from its almost 20,000 members.  Results showed that 61% of respondents were aged 45 and above, which meant they were at higher risk of contracting the virus.  Some 62% said they had either contracted the virus, or knew one of their colleagues who had it.   At least 90% respondents also expressed their fear of the new virus variant.  One teacher stated   Learners aren't really scared of Covid-19 and most only wear a mask when you tell them to.  They are often sitting in groups, they leave some of their stationery at home and borrow from their friends.”  Other respondents noted that their biggest fear in 2021 was that pupils, whose parents won't send them to school, would be disadvantaged.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sesona Ngqakamba at News24

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