Motshekga said she took exception from people who insinuated that the department was reckless for reopening schools despite being unable to guarantee that learners will be safe.
“Imagine saying we will wait for coronavirus even if it ends in 2022 because we cannot make guarantees. It is not possible., which is not because we are certain there will not be infections. The reality is that life must go on.
“I cannot stand here tonight and say, 'I put my head on the block — nobody is going to die.' I cannot do that. But we will try our best to have everyone safe.” Motshekga said all learners and teachers will be screened on a daily basis, while surfaces will be sanitised daily. As things stand, school structures' surfaces are not contaminated after the schools closed seven weeks ago, she said.As to who will do the work of applying the sanitiser on surfaces, as well as screening learners, Motshekga said the department of public works will have to intervene in some provinces, while some provinces will have to hire people specifically for that job.
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