With learners set to return to school next week, the Department of Basic Education is expected to address parents and learners about changes they can expect. 

Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga will hold a media briefing on Saturday, 24 July at 10 am. 

"Minister Motshekga will outline the basic education sector's response to the impact of Covid-19 on the sector." said the department in a statement. 

In a gazette released on 15 July, the department revealed the return dates for learners and teachers. 

Principals, school management teams and non-teaching staff will return to school on 22 July to ensure that schools are ready for the return of learners. 

Schools will then reopen on 26 July 2021 for learners in grades R to 12.

“The usual winter vacation learner support or catch-up programs for Grades 11 and 12, as organised and implemented by the Provincial Departments of Education, districts and schools, will continue under strict compliance with the minimum health, safety and social distancing measures on COVID-19, and are extended by a week until 23 July 2021.” said the department. 

Learners will soon have to adjust to a change in the timetable system, as the department will be moving from the rotational timetable, back to the traditional daily attendance timetable. 

This model will take effect from 2 August 2021 for learners in grades 7 to 12. 

"Educators must continue with teaching and learning from 26 July 2021, in accordance with the timetabling model adopted by the school, until 2 August 2021, from which date the return to the traditional and daily attendance timetabling model must be implemented.”

The department said these changes will be monitored and take effect according to the risk adjusted differentiated strategy. This strategy will allow for changes to be made, depending on the state of the country's Covid-19 infections.