Protesting South African teachers want schools to close again

Some teachers and parents in South Africa's Western Cape province are demonstrating and demanding the closure of schools over the spread of coronavirus.

A few principals have written an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa urging him to rethink the decision to open schools.

They say that virus cases within the community are now affecting pupils and teachers.

According to the Western Cape Education Department, over 300 staff members and 61 pupils had tested positive for coronavirus.

Some teachers refused to report back to work after colleagues tested positive for the virus, Eye Witness News reports.

The Western Cape is the worst-hit province in the country, with almost 50% of South Africa's cases.

The morning demonstration was covered by local media:

Teachers in the Western Cape are threatening to shutdown schools amid growing COVID-19 concerns. Courtesy #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/KxbtjfLyFK
— eNCA (@eNCA) June 25, 2020

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Tags:

Coronavirus in Africa

Cyril Ramaphosa

South Africa

Teachers