DA calls on DBE to release clear and succinct plan on teacher vaccination

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to engage with the Department of Health to release a clear and succinct plan on what the vaccination process for teachers will look like as a matter of urgency. We are seeking a comprehensive timeline for these vaccinations as it is becoming clear that teachers are increasingly under threat due to the Covid-19 virus as number of teachers have already passed away since the beginning of the pandemic last year.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his address to the nation on 11 January 2021, indicated that teachers would be prioritised in phase 2 for vaccination. While the DA welcomes this, and have called for educators to be classified as essential frontline workers for vaccination, teachers and their schooling communities need certainty that the process will not be bungled especially light of the number of teacher casualties due to Covid-19.

There has also recently been an alarming number of Covid-19 outbreaks at Matric marking centres, which once again highlights the threat under which teachers work.

It is therefore no surprise that teachers are anxious about the start of the academic year at the end of this month and whether they and their learners will be safe.

While the vaccine is critical in keeping teachers and learners safe, ultimately, schools together with their provincial DBE must work effectively to ensure that all Covid-19 protocols are adhered to, such as:

1. The proper implementation of social distancing protocols at schools;
2. Access to safe PPE, clean water, and proper sanitation;
3. An emergency health plan at all schools in response to positive cases; and
4. Clear plans for those teachers or learners who suffer from comorbidities.

Schools that do not meet these requirements should work closely with the DBE to ensure that the necessary protocols needed to comply with safety regulations is provided speedily for a safe reopening.

It is also critical that the DBE release regulations and guidelines on the reopening of schools as a matter of urgency.

While delays to the 2021 academic year would be devastating, the safety of learners, teachers and other academic support staff is paramount.