South Africa Loses 1,493 Teachers To COVID-19 – Minister Reveals

South Africa Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshega has disclosed that the country’s educational sector lost at least 1,493 school teachers this year to Coronavirus pandemic.

The minister, however, said in spite of the situation, 2021 academic session will commence on January 25, noting that a three-year recovery plan would be implemented to cover for the 2020 session disruptions by the novel virus.

Motshega noted that the 2020 academic year was very challenging as a result of the dreaded disease.

“At this point, I also want to acknowledge the fact that during those difficult times, we lost almost 1,493 teachers,” the minister noted.

Motshega revealed that the sector lost a number of staffs, including district officials and circuit officials.

Speaking on the next session, the minister insisted that the 2021 academic year would start on Jan. 25 with teachers and pupils returning to the classroom on Jan. 27.

She said a three-year recovery plan would be implemented to deal with 2020’s disruptions.

“The unintended learning losses occurred due to extended closure of schools. Remember some of the learners only came in September,” Motshega said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) on Friday evening, 18th December 2020, confirmed 806 new cases of Coronavirus disease infection in Nigeria.

Naija News reports that the new cases of COVID-19 infection were confirmed via a statement on the official Twitter handle of the health agency.