EDUCATION EXPERT ADVICE MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION TO END SCHOOL YEAR

Professor Jonathan Jansen also known as education expert has written an open letter to Basic. Education Minister Angie Motshekga suggesting that she 'declare the normal school year over' in light of COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter is not first as previously adviced the Basic Education Department to promote every pupil from Grade 1 to 11. But the Department responded by saying it was irresponsible advice and the 2020 school year can still be recovered. 

Jansen said the government should not 'be blind to the reality that the schools are not going to cover the curriculum'. He explained the decision of taking children to school as extremely dangerous. "we have seen the consequences. It is a really bad situation especially when we don't know enough about the virus and how it might affect younger people."  said Professor Jonathan Jansen

He explained that by the times grade 5 and 8 come back at the end of August it will be September, by that time your [teacher's] mind is on exams, your mind is not on covering the curriculum.

" We mustn't be selfish here and reduce this debate to the likelihood of infection of children, everybody is affected in that space and I think we will simply be able to make up for lost time if we are simply sensible. We are going to pay a heavy multi-generational cost if we are blind to the reality that we are not going to cover the curriculum but at the same time cause enormous emotional damage to our people."said Professor Jonathan Jansen