Basic Education Minister: “We have lost over 1 000 educators to Covid-19”

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As the Department of Basic Education declares their readiness to welcome back almost 1million learners in the 2021 academic years across the country, the wait and the delay of the school reopening has been with many difficulties and sad developments.

Speaking during press briefing on the update of school reopening, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has sent out condolences to the families of their teachers and related staff members they lost to Covid-19 since the first lockdown in March 2020.

Motshekga said they have lost over 1 000 educators to Covid-19 since then.

“The latest available figures indicate that 1 169 educators have passed away, as a direct result of Covid-19. This year alone, up to Friday, 12 February, the number of deceased educators stands at 159, while for non-teaching staff we have recorded 63 deaths.  This is really heart-breaking, and we convey our sincere condolences to the affected families.”

Minister Motshekga also said that she also contracted Covid-19.