Schools in the country are set to close on Monday next week as part of a previously planned national school holiday. The Western Cape Education Department has also addressed concerns about the potential impact of the alleged "national shutdown" planned by South Africa's third-largest opposition political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
“We are aware of concerns that have been raised about the impact of the alleged “national shutdown” planned by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Monday, 20 March 2023.”
On Thursday Kerry Mauchline, a spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department MEC David Maynier, confirmed that public schools in the province would be closed on Monday, 20 March 2023, as it is a previously planned school holiday.
The school calendar is gazetted by the national minister a full year in advance, and the school calendar for 2023 indicates that all public schools in the country have a special school holiday on 20 March 2023.
Despite the planned school holiday, the EFF has threatened to close schools on Monday causing concerns among parents about the safety of their children. It is unclear why the EFF has made this threat.
Mauchline addressed these concerns, saying, "I hope this allays the concerns of the public, and especially our parents, who are worried that the EFF might put the safety of their children at risk."
The Western Cape Education Department encourages parents not to send their children to school on Monday, as the previously planned school holiday will ensure that schools are closed for the day, and children will not be put in harm's way.
The Department also reminded parents that the safety and well-being of their children is a top priority, and they will continue to work with relevant authorities to ensure that learners are safe at all times.
