The government of Zimbabwe through its ministry of education department has called off the opening of schools.
Schools were set to open on Monday, January 04 2021.
The announcement was made after a clarion call by teacher unions, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, who asked the government to be responsive to the surge in Covid-19 cases in the region.
In a communique released by the ministry, the government is now postponing the opening of schools from January 04, 2021, to a further date that will be set.
However, the examinations which were set to start on the 5th of January will go on as scheduled.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed the development.
 |
| Breaking News - Zimbabwe Schools Opening Deferred As COVID-19 Cases Mount! |
“We filed an application for an interdict and declaratory relief on unsafe schools opening. It is our view that schools should only open in March when the government has funded the implementation of SOPs.
Government has already varied opening dates but exams should also be stopped” said ARTUZ.
Another teacher Union Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe had also asked the government to be responsive to the surge in case of the Covid 19 in view of a ravaging second wave that is affecting South Africa.
“The 2nd wave of the Coronavirus is running riot in SA, and Zimbabwe is facing its fair share of the disaster.
We call on the government to call off the planned opening of schools set for 4 Jan. No to unnecessary bravado. Decision can be revisited in 2/3 weeks” they said.
