The Commission, as mandated by the Constitution to ‘promote the protection, development and attainment of human rights’, calls on Government, schools and communities to ensure that learners continue to enjoy their right to a basic education. The Commission cautions all stakeholders to be sensitive to the balancing of rights in the Bill of Rights and underscores the constitutional principle that the best interests of the child are of paramount importance in any matter concerning the child.

Further, the Commission reiterates its point that schools should be the last to close, and the first to open. This approach is reinforced by disturbing statistics from the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) – Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (CRAM) Wave 5 survey, which reveal that an additional 500,000 children are estimated to have dropped out during the pandemic. This comprehensive, nationally representative survey indicates that drop outs have tripled from 230,000 pre-pandemic to approximately 750,000 in May 2021. Moreover, the Commission is worried that any delays in the reopening of schools will compromise the National Schools Nutrition Programme. Evidence suggests that only a limited number of learners who receive a meal at school, are able to do so whilst schools are closed.[1]

Therefore, the Commission calls for every effort to be made by schools and their communities to ensure that learning continues as soon as possible. Learning materials and food must continue to reach all learners, while schools develop comprehensive catch-up plans that ensure that no child is left behind. Education is a crucial empowerment right, and our country’s future accordingly hangs in the balance.
The Commission will continue to engage with provincial departments and other stakeholders to ensure that there is a concerted strategy to the rebuilding of schools and that the right to basic education is immediately realised.

Ends
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.