MBABANE: Minister of Education Lady Howard Mabuza has announced that completing classes namely, Grade 7, Form 3 and Form 5 would reopen on Tuesday, 23rd November 2021.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Cabinet offices on Friday afternoon, the Minister said Government had already started addressing the concerns that were raised by learners and some would be solved by the end of the coming week.
"I assure parents and teachers that Government will ensure that the damage faced by schools is addressed as soon as possible, starting next week. In some cases temporary cover will be provided to ensure protection of children. I plead with parents, teachers and learners of the affected schools to cooperate with Government while means to restore the damaged infrastructure are being made”, she said.
When reached for comments, Sikelela Dlamini, the Secretary General of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) said they were not aware of such developments and they were yet to meet and discuss the matter as union leaders.
"This is shocking to us since the Minister avoided a meeting with us yesterday, that's where we were supposed to deliberate on this matter. We are yet to meet and release a statement that will state our position as a union", said the SNAT Secretary General.
Eswatini is in the midst of a political crisis which saw damage to a number of schools across the country after students took to the streets and joined the calls for democratic reforms.
King Mswati's government subsequently closed schools and unleashed armed forces on those who were demanding democratic reforms.
Education Minister Lady Howard-Mabuza