This is due to challenges like a shortage of PPE products and a lack of running water at many schools.

The SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) has called on the provincial education department in the Eastern Cape to shut all schools in this province. Their call comes due to the fact that many schools in this region do not have the required PPE products available to ensure the safety of staff and pupils. In many parts, there is also a lack of running water. The provincial education department will be meeting with Sadtu on Tuesday to discuss their concerns and to see how they can rectify the state of schools in this province. According to the provincial education department, 90% of schools in this province do have the required PPE products as well as water supplies in place.