Teaching moves online for junior primary school in La Lucia
By: illovuonline news team
15-06-2020
Image: supplied
La Lucia Junior Primary has made use of the Seesaw App which principal, Jen Harman, says has been perfect for her Foundation Phase Learners.
Principal of La Lucia Junior Primary School, Jen Harman, said using an online learning platform during lockdown has helped her staff and learners keep up with the national curriculum.
WHEN the nationwide lockdown was implemented by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the end of March, most schools across the country had to adapt the way they teach to accommodate learners.
What emerged was the rise of e-learning, whereby teaching is done remotely on digital platforms and apps. One of those schools who has adapted incredibly well to online learning is La Lucia Junior Primary School.
The school has made use of the Seesaw App which principal, Jen Harman, says has been perfect for her Foundation Phase Learners.
“When the lockdown was announced we had a very short time to decide on how we could teach our children remotely. Initially we sent home books and made use of WhatsApp to help children during the first phase of the lockdown. However, when we realised the lockdown would be extended, we began looking at online platforms that would best suit the children at the school. I think it is important to remember that the Foundation Phase our school caters for is very interactive and we needed an app that allowed us to maintain that connection.
“We also needed an app that would work for our children and the parents due to their work schedules. We found that Seesaw has worked wonders with our learners because we’ve been able to keep that connection between teachers and learners. It also isn’t too data intensive. Using the app we are able to give feedback on their work and it allows the parents that bit of flexibility they need,” she explained.
Harman said while the adjustment to online teaching was challenging initially, the teachers at the school were quick to adjust and come to the fore.
“They’ve all come on board and adapted to this lockdown in ways we never thought possible. They have been able to use the app to keep the children interested and engaged, whilst keeping up with the curriculum,” she said.
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News put South Africa first
Covid-19 SA Update: 58 568 confirmed cases with 1 210 deaths. Total full recoveries confirmed negative 3 147
By: illovuonline news team
12-06-2020
Image: Supplied
*Current Status of Cases of COVID-19 in South Africa*
*Total cases:* 58 568
3 147 New cases
33 252 Full recoveries (Confirmed Negative)
1 210 Deaths
*The breakdown per province of total infections is as follows:*
Eastern Cape – 7 868
Free State – 406
Gauteng – 7 953
KwaZulu-Natal – 3 472
Limpopo – 267
Mpumalanga – 228
North West – 757
Northern Cape – 132
Western Cape – 37 422
Unknown – 63
*Testing Data*
Today we have reached a milestone- over one million tests have been completed. This was no small feat and I would like to pay tribute to all the technicians and pathologists in the NHLS and Private laboratories and all the staff who work in the most risky environment, 24 hours a day, to churn out these results. South Africa was one of the first off the mass testing mark and we were the first country to do community screening and testing. I would also like to thank the drivers from NHLS, who have been responsible for getting all 67 mobile units to all the districts and who continue to move vehicles between provinces to areas of greatest need. I would also like to thank the labs for the hard work that is being done now to clear the backlog and improve turnaround times for processing of specimens.
1 028 399 tests have been conducted cumulatively of which 29 999 were conducted since the last report.
The total number of recoveries to date are 33 252- which translates to a recovery rate of 56,8%
Deaths will be reported later when they have been collated.
Johnson & Johnson to begin human trials of Covid-19 vaccine in July
By: illovuonline news team
11-06-2020
Image: supplied
There are about 10 coronavirus vaccines in human testing and experts have predicted that a safe and effective vaccine could take 12 to 18 months from the start of development.
Johnson & Johnson said on Wednesday it would bring forward by two months human trials of its potential Covid-19 vaccine to the second half of July, as the drugmaker rushes to develop a shot for the contagious respiratory disease.
The company has already signed deals with the US government to create enough manufacturing capacity to produce more than 1-billion doses of its vaccine through 2021, even before it has evidence that it works. There are no approved treatments or vaccines for Covid-19.
J&J’s study will test the vaccine against a placebo and assess its safety and immune response in 1,045 healthy people aged 18 to 55 years, as well as those 65 years and older. The trial will take place in the US and Belgium.
“Based on the strength of the preclinical data we have seen so far and interactions with the regulatory authorities, we have been able to further accelerate the clinical development,” said J&J’s Chief Scientific Officer Paul Stoffels.
The company is also in talks with the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to start larger, late-stage trials ahead of schedule, depending on results of the early studies and regulatory approval.
Moderna Inc is at the forefront of Covid-19 vaccine development and has started testing its candidate in a mid-stage trial that will enroll 600 patients. The company expects to begin late-stage trials in July.
Moderna’s vaccine uses messenger RNA technology, an approach that has not yet been approved for any medicine, while J&J is using the same technology used to make its Ebola shot.
There are about 10 coronavirus vaccines in human testing and experts have predicted that a safe and effective vaccine could take 12 to 18 months from the start of development.
Shares of J&J were up 1.1% at $147.67 in morning trading.
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News put South Africa first
Two teachers at Gauteng school die, two other education officials test positive for Covid-19
By: illovuonline news team
11-06-2020
Image: Supplied
Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi announced on Wednesday that two teachers at a Vosloorus school have died.
Two teachers from a high school in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, have died, the education department confirmed on Wednesday.
The two teachers, a 63-year-old female acting principal and a 58-year-old female teacher from Thuto Lesedi Secondary School in Vosloorus, died on Tuesday.
“It is alleged the acting principal collapsed while visiting her parents and was unfortunately declared dead on arrival at a local hospital,” said the education department in a statement.
“Sadly, the second educator allegedly experienced complications and consulted a medical practitioner. She died at home in her sleep.”
The department dispatched its psycho-social team to provide support to the school.
“This is a huge loss for the school and the education sector in a difficult period,” said Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi.
“We would like to convey our sincere condolences to both families and the school community. We pray for their strength during this time of grief. Indeed the school will conduct memorial services to remember and celebrate their lives, in due course.”
The department also confirmed that two employees at its head office had tested positive for Covid-19. It said the employees and their families were receiving support and care in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols.
“It is important to note that all other staff members who were in contact with the said officials are testing and will follow all protocols to prevent the spread of the virus,” it said.
“Two buildings – 17 Simmonds Street and 26 and 30 Loveday Street – will be closed with immediate effect for fogging and disinfection, which will take place on [Thursday and Friday].
“We wish all our staff members who tested positive a speedy recovery. You enjoy our support at all times,” added Lesufi.
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News put South Africa first
Nearly 1 million Covid-19 tests conducted in SA, cases climb to 55,421
By: illovuonline news team
11-06-2020
Image: Supplied
SA has recorded 55,421 Covid-19 cases and 1,210 deaths by Wednesday night.
Nearly 1 million Covid-19 tests had been conducted across SA by Wednesday night, the health ministry said as it announced that 55,421 cases of the respiratory illness had been confirmed.
This represented an increase of 30,330 tests in the past 24-hour cycle, and an increase of 2,430 cases.
There were also an additional 48 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the national death toll to 1,210. Of those newly recorded deaths, 37 were in the Western Cape, nine in the Eastern Cape and two in KZN.
There was a mortality rate of 2.2%, said the department.
The Western Cape continues to be the epicentre of the illness in SA, with 927 deaths and 36,021 cases. The Eastern Cape has recorded 147 deaths from its 7,154 cases.
There have been 31,505 confirmed recoveries, which “translates to a recovery rate of 56.8%,” said the ministry.
As of today, the cumulative number of confirmed #COVID19 cases is 55 421, the total number of deaths is 1210 and the recoveries to date are 31 505.
Eastern Cape Covid-19 death toll predicted to hit 6,000 by peak in November
The Eastern Cape could see up to 6,000 deaths in the next four months due to Covid-19
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News put South Africa first
Students host online chess tournament to raise funds for sanitary pads
By: illovuonline news team
11-06-2020
Image: supplied
Daniel Asiwe, the North West University student who is hosting an online chess tournament to fundraise money to buy sanitary towels for needy households./Arnold Classic Chess
A university student has embarked on a campaign to host online chess tournaments to raise funds to buy sanitary towels for over 500 needy households.
Daniel Asiwe, 25, an industrial psychology and labour relations student at the North West University (NWU), told Sowetan that he has been involved in numerous community projects to date.
He intends to host the first online chess tournament on June 20. He said the idea was sparked by a plea he received from two young women – one of whom wanted help with getting sanitary towels.
“It was a humble request from two young ladies who had gotten my contact details from their friends and was told that I would be able to assist them,” said Asiwe. “The one needed assistance with sanitary pads for herself and the other needed help with electricity for their household.”
Asiwe said upon assisting the two it came to his attention that several entities are focusing on the distribution of food parcels to the needy during lockdown but no one was looking at other needs.
“So I took it upon myself to try to create some sort of fundraiser that would make it convenient to raise money to reach out and supply washable pads to over 500 needy households. I thought of hosting an online chess tournament as the number of online players has increased due to having more time on their hands,” he said.
Asiwe’s target is to raise at least R150,000 to buy sanitary towels and supply them to a minimum of 500 needy households.
“Corporates and other individuals who would like to jump onto this by donating any amount of money will be welcome.
“I will be starting off with the disadvantaged schools and learners that I usually have projects with,” he said
Asiwe has hosted numerous chess tournaments before, including chess school league tournaments. However, this will be the first online tournament that he will host and charge a fee for in his quest to raise the funds needed.
“We will be hosting it every month until our target has been reached; should we reach our target or a minimum of 500 players per tournament, we would be able to fundraise R15,000 monthly to the cause, and if this becomes successful, we can consider it to be a permanent solution due to the inconveniences of Covid-19.
“At the moment we will be getting R40 per player, which is why I am also pleading with big corporates to join in and partner with me on this initiative.”
Asiwe’s chess journey started in 2010 at Potchefstroom Boys High School in Potchefstroom, North West, when he was approached by the school’s chess captain who had a few players for his junior team and asked if he would like to learn chess.
Asiwe later made the cut for the provincial under-16 team. His achievements didn’t stop there as he went on to become a top provincial player for four consecutive years.
He currently runs his own chess academy called Dark Knights Chess Academy and coaches chess to school pupils.
To take part in the fundraiser, contact Asiwe on 078-054-4117
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News put South Africa first
Parents shut school over lack of hygiene and sanitation
By: illovuonline news team
11-06-2020
Image: supplied
The parents shut down the school, saying it was unsanitary, and said they were hurt because the school did not care about their children.
It was like a scene from a wrestling match as parents wrangled with a security guard for the keys to the gate during a protest over lack of screening, sanitisers, soap and water at a school in Naas, near Komatipoort in Mpumalanga.
Angry parents and residents yesterday shut down Mbazima Primary School, saying this put their children’s life at risk of contracting coronavirus as there were no proper hand-washing basins, soap and water.
The school reopened on Monday as grade 7s and 12s returned to school after months of being away due to the global pandemic.
Parents said when their children came home on Monday, they revealed that there was only one water tank and there was no soap or sanitisers provided to them. Parents said there was no screening of children at the gate as well.
“On Monday we thought all was well but after finding out that there was no proper hand washing happening, we went to the school to see for ourselves the next day. We were not impressed and we took the decision to not allow the school to accommodate the children until the department provided it with water, sanitisers and people to do screening were appointed,” said community member Sibusiso Sibiya.
“After we closed the school, the circuit manager came and told us that they have hired people to clean and screen pupils, teachers and other staff members at the school but they didn’t show up. He even asked us to volunteer; we can’t volunteer when there are people who are being paid, that is an insult,” said Sibiya.
Education spokesperson Jasper Zwane said the department would send an official to the school to evaluate the situation.
‘No more room to keep social distancing at schools’
There will be no space for social distancing in class in some schools when the next batch of pupils are expected back at school next month.
“We deposited cash to the school to hire people to clean the school. Judging by these allegations, it’s clear the problem lies with the school and the school governing body (SGB) but we can’t pre-empt now,” said Zwane.
Attempts to get hold of an SGB member only known as Zitho were fruitless yesterday as her phone went unanswered.
Mbazima Primary is not the only school to be closed by parents. At Mpumelelo Primary School, parents stopped their children from going to school on Monday, saying the toilets at the school were not safe for their children.
They accused the department of promising to rebuild the toilets after a child fell into one of them early last year.
At the time, Zwane said the school would be rebuilt and would get 16 new classrooms and toilets in the 2019/2020 financial year. Zwane said an official has been sent to engage with the parents.
Meanwhile, parents concerned that their school was not properly cleaned volunteered their time to do it.
Kamogelo Primary School in Westonaria on the West Rand was closed yesterday to allow the parents to clean it after they were unhappy with the dirt they found when they dropped their children off on Monday.
“Learners were only given masks after school and they had been playing outside the whole day because we refused that they should be taught in dirty classes,” said one parent Siphokazi Molefe .
“I am hurt because the school does not care about our children,” said another parent Ntombifuthi Mnisi.
The school provided them with pine gel, polish and steel wool. They have also made a commitment to clean the school twice a week to protect their children.
“The parents were not satisfied with the neatness of the said school, which was cleaned on May 31. A decision was taken that the school be temporarily closed for today 10 June 2020 only and be cleaned by parents as per volunteerism. The school will re-open tomorrow [today],” said department of education spokesperson Steve Mabona.
Nearly 50 KZN schools still haven’t opened, two close with Covid-19 cases
At least 46 schools are yet to open in KwaZulu-Natal, while two others have been closed just a day after reopening due to teachers testing positive …
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News put South Africa first
Mabuyane wants alcohol ban until Level 1 in Eastern Cape, hits back at ‘irresponsible’ critics
By: illovuonline news team
11-06-2020
Image: Supplied
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane.
The latest statement comes ahead of a meeting with an association of liquor traders to discuss the province’s stance.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane made the remarks after criticism, mainly from liquor traders and consumers, for calling for the ban.
The province’s coronavirus command council reported a spike in serious crime after alcohol trade was permitted under Level 3 on 1 June.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has fired back at people criticising him for petitioning for an alcohol ban in the province until Level 1 of the lockdown.
Mabuyane’s scathing statement comes after criticism this week, mainly from liquor traders and alcohol consumers, for lobbying the national government to reinstate the liquor ban in the Eastern Cape.
His office confirmed that it has decided to petition national government to restore the alcohol ban in the province until it reaches Level 1 lockdown.
The provincial government raised alarms about a spike in violent criminal cases since alcohol trade was allowed on 1 June – registering more than 3 000 violent criminal cases over seven days, while hospital trauma units were “overwhelmed” by patients with alcohol-related injuries.
Mabuyane said hospitals needed beds to treat Covid-19 patients. He described the virus as the “main enemy”.
“We didn’t just wake up and decide to call for the ban. We are reacting to the repercussions that have been caused by the consumption of liquor. The backlash is coming from people who are irresponsible, selfish and looking after their own interests and own lives,” he said on Wednesday in East London.
He was speaking to the media at Life Healthcare Group’s Beacon Bay hospital in East London during an oversight visit.
“We are interested in liquor because it’s one of the big players in the economy; it creates jobs and we want to protect the industry, but we cannot do that at the expense of lives,” said Mabuyane.
‘We are not the govt of liquor’
A Monday report by the provincial coronavirus command council revealed that between 1 and 7 June, a total of 3 145 cases were reported in the province’s 197 police stations since liquor was permitted.
These included 94 murders, 77 rapes, 24 culpable homicide and 354 assault cases with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“The statistics that have grown up within this period is putting pressure on our healthcare centers’ trauma units. We want every bed made available for Covid-19, our main enemy,” said Mabuyane on Wednesday, refusing to back down.
Ending off with the parting shot, he said: “We are a responsible government; we are a government of the people, for the people, by the people. We are not the government of liquor, for liquor, by the liquor,” he said before smiling.
The statement comes ahead of a meeting between him and members of the Eastern Cape Liquor Forum (ECLF), which represents 3 000 liquor traders and taverns, on Wednesday evening.
Mabuyane’s spokesperson Mvusiwekhaya Sicwetsha said the forum called the meeting.
“The meeting will discuss the decision of the provincial coronavirus command council to request national government to reinstate prohibition of trade and distribution of alcohol in the province from now until we get to Alert Level 1.
Call for stricter law enforcement
ECLF’s president, Winston Hector, said the liquor forum remains committed to working with the government to address any “contraventions of the lockdown regulations and ensure responsible trading and consumption of liquor during the Covid-19 outbreak”.
He said they do not agree with the ban, but would rather call for stricter law enforcement measures to ensure that people don’t get on the wrong side of the law.
“As township taverns, we have agreed to a set of guidelines to ensure the responsible trade of liquor and to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in our townships.
“These guidelines set out strict protocols to ensure proper hygiene and social distancing in our outlets, distribution of PPE packs and education materials to taverns and to limit quantity of sale in a single transaction,” said Hector.
Eastern Cape has the second highest infection cases in the country after Western Cape, with 6 760 infections, 138 deaths and 3 514 recoveries.
The Western Cape has 34 819 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 890 deaths.
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News put South Africa first
Many fear rent hikes will force poor on to streets
By: illovuonline news team
11-06-2020
Image: Supplied
DURBAN – Every month, pensioner Dharam Ramdayal needs about R2 000 to refill his oxygen tank, while his wife Romilla uses her old age grant to pay for their utility bills, rent and groceries.
They barely have enough money left at the month-end and are concerned a proposed 10% residential rental rate increase by the eThekwini Municipality will leave them homeless.
A report from the city’s Human Settlements Unit, tabled at the municipality’s executivecommittee meeting recently, recommended a 10% increase from next month.
The report said: “Human Settlements’ primary business objective is to provide sustainable and affordable rental housing stock to qualifying beneficiaries; and ensure that the facilities are kept in good running order through maintenance, general upkeep and repairs.
“The current rental regime ranges between R40 and R1 200 and the revenue collected does not meet the budgetary requirements needed to operate the facilities in question, and financial sustainability is seriously threatened. The income generated is not enough to cover the costs that should be incurred to provide the service properly.”
It further found the situation resulted in the Rental Housing Department not being able to meet the upkeep of various facilities.
This led to the deterioration and decay of the housing stock, which included hostels and municipal-owned flats.
The report was approved for the 2019/20 financial year but, due to technical issues, the increase was not implemented.
It stated the proposed 10% increase in rental across the spectrum would assist in reducing the overall deficit but would have no immediate effect on the operational budgets.
Yogis Govender, a DA exco member, said the decision would affect almost 6 000 units and their occupants adversely.
“This decision will invoke the wrath of tenants, juxtaposed against the painfully slow maintenance of these units, where the majority of the buildings have fallen into disrepair, look dilapidated and whose people are forgotten.
“The city is now foisting implementation of an increase stating that the expected revenue to be generated will be approximately R37 million. We are all eager to find out how, when the collection rate is dismal. Realistically, what are they really expecting to recover now in the wake of Covid-19?”
However, Msawakhe Mayisela, the eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, said the rentals charged were well below the economic recovery type of rentals.
“The revenue generated from the rental payments is not adequate to cover the costs of operating, which include insurance on the buildings, cleaning, maintenance repairs and services (water, sewer, electricity and sanitation services). The rentals are heavily subsidised. The minimum rental is R65 per month and with an increase of 10% the new rent will increase by R6.50 taking the new rent to R71.50.”
For the Ramdayals, any increase would affect them.
They have lived in the municipal-owned double-storey two-bedroom home in Lotus Park, Isipingo, for 20 years.
Their son, 30, who is unemployed, his wife, 29, a general worker, and their two children, aged 5 and 10, live with them.
They pay a monthly rental of R500 and their utility bill, which includes water, electricity and sewage, ranges between R1 500 and R1 800.
Ramdayal, 68, a retired builder, said he was asthmatic and had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that resulted in breathing problems and poor airflow.
Romilla, 66, has arthritis and hypertension.
“Over the years, I have suffered from asthma and at one stage battled TB, but from 2013 I became reliant on an oxygen machine. I have three oxygen tanks, which I keep in different rooms, including the bathroom. Every month, I refill two of them. I have no choice because I will die if I do not have the tanks.
“Besides the medication we get from the hospital, we still visit the doctor when we fall ill and get over-the-counter medication. My wife had double pneumonia and needed medication, which cost R400. I had to borrow money so I could get it for her.”
He said they often bought groceries on credit from a tuckshop and their daughter-in-law helped to pay the account. They also had to pay for transport to Addington Hospital.
He said during the Covid-19 pandemic, the city was selfish to ask that the rental be increased.
“When these decisions are proposed, I don’t think the poor, elderly and the frail are considered.”
Rajen Govender, 52, has lived in his double-storey municipal-owned flat in Bayview, Chatsworth, since he was born.
His grandfather, with whom he stayed, initially rented the flat. He now lives in the home with his wife and their three unemployed
children.
Govender, a manager for a cleaning business, said his monthly rental was R665. His electricity, water and sewage bill ranged between R2 000 and R2 300.
“For the past two months, I have not worked due to the lockdown. I used the money I collected from the UIF (unemployment insurance fund) to pay my rental and utility bills. Instead of the municipality increasing our rentals, they should focus on recovering the rent from those who have not paid in years.”
Mary Munoo, 58, of Shastri Park in Phoenix, said her sons, aged 34 and 24, sold blankets and paid the rent and utility bills.
Her husband, Keliden, 59, who suffered a stroke, collected a monthly disability grant of R1 880. The money is used to buy groceries and for transport.
Their monthly rental was R500 and they paid between R500 and R700 for electricity and water.
Munoo, a housewife, said her sons were unable to work during the lockdown and relied on Keliden’s grant.
“We received a few food parcels but that lasted a few days. My sons returned to work last Monday but business is slow. Now, it is stressful knowing the rental could increase. Any increase would mean we cannot buy a loaf of bread, a sachet of milk, or a packet of sugar for a week.”
Mdu Nkosi, an IFP exco member, said: “We believe it is not a good idea during the Covid-19 pandemic as people are struggling now and even under the normal economic situation.
“It cannot be correct for the municipality to assume that the residents will be able to pay for the 10% increase.”
Sayed Iqbal Mohamed, the chairperson of the Organisation of Civic Rights, said it was immoral for the municipality to pursue the rental increase.
“Especially when the poor, old and single-headed households, in particular, are struggling to meet their current rental obligations. The lockdown has impacted negatively on South Africans, more so for low-income earners.”
Mohamed, who is also the deputy chairperson of the KZN Rental Housing Tribunal, said the municipality should defer any increases until December.
“We call on the premier, who seems to be a person of integrity and a caring comrade, to intervene. We cannot have more people rendered destitute and those already in desperate situations to become homeless.”
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News put South Africa first
Teachers’ jobs at risk as parents cannot afford school fees due to lockdown
By: illovuonline news team
11-06-2020
Image: Supplied
Cape Town – Teachers employed by school governing bodies (SGBs) face losing their jobs because many parents cannot afford school fees during the lockdown.
Teacher unions urged SGBs to contact parents and urge them to pay school fees, saying no school could function on “promises and good intentions”.
The unions said school fees enabled the provision of a better service to pupils, parents and the community, and some teachers and staff depended on school fees.
The chief executive of the SA Teachers Union, Chris Klopper, said the union had noted that in addition to problems arising from the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, public schools were experiencing major problems because many parents had stopped paying school fees.
Klopper said the reasons given were that some parents believed it was not necessary to pay school fees if a school did not provide services, while others argued they were employed in the business sector and their ability to generate income was impaired.
“The union is well aware of the direct relationship between parents’ income patterns and the ability to pay school fees. Sincere understanding is recorded for those cases where such payment has become impossible. But, a very serious call is made on parents to pay school fees whenever possible,” Klopper said.
He said the ability of schools to appoint and continue to pay teaching staff was directly determined by the receipt of school fees.
“School fees are of the utmost importance for schools to provide an even better service to learners, parents and the community. Teaching staff in the service of the school are an incredible asset and allow schools to fulfil their service to the community. This asset cannot simply be allowed to be lost,” he said.
National Teachers Union president Allen Alan Thompson said schools and their management should hold discussions with parents who were unable to pay fees, to come to an understanding.
Thompson said the situation should “not be abused” and parents and institutions needed to be transparent with each other.
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the WCED had encouraged parents to pay school fees, where possible.
Hammond said many schools relied on the collection of school fees to pay SGB staff, and “therefore it is imperative for them to continue to collect funds”.
She said it was understandable that many parents experienced a loss of income during the lockdown. “Parents who have been laid off or had contracts cancelled and are unemployed can apply for fee-exemption.”
It was important that parents qualifying for fee-exemption completed the necessary forms as the forms were sent to the department by schools when they applied for fee-compensation.
“In terms of compensation for fee exemption, 556 schools submitted successful claims for a total of 86 964 pupils, amounting to R58 382 million for fee-compensation for the 2018 school year.”
She said the 2019 applications would be paid this year, and 2020 applications in 2021.
Hammond said 97% of fee-paying schools applied for compensation.
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