Final year students in primary and secondary schools will now report back to school on 8 June, according to the department of basic education.

Teachers will report to work on 1 June for orientation on new safety guidelines intended to prevent the spread of coronavirus in schools.

Boarding school learners who had adhered to the initial 1 June reopening date have been advised to stay in school for the orientation on safety.

South Africa is moving to level three of easing restrictions on Monday with the sale of alcohol and movement within districts allowed.

Churches, temples and mosques have been allowed to reopen provided they have not more than 50 worshippers.

The basic education ministry said the reopening date was delayed after consultations with stakeholders, with Minister Angie Motshekga expected to give more details on Monday.

Teachers had asked the government to reconsider the reopening date citing lack of preparedness.

Parents in various Twitter posts had said they would keep their children away from schools for fear they may contract the virus.

The country’s confirmed coronavirus cases stand at 32, 683 including 683 deaths.

Source: BBC