In a joint initiative with the Gauteng Department of Education, which identified the schools most in need of assistance, Bidvest will be rolling out the project immediately. The package will include a complete decontaminated and de-sanitisation of 577 schools, 466 of which are non-fee-paying schools. Each school will also receive wall-mounted hand sanitisers and other consumables to support government’s commitment to securing educational institutions against the spread of the coronavirus.
Over half-a-million Gauteng learners attend these schools with matriculants accounting for over 28 000 learners and Grade 7s over 43 000. The Bidvest donation will ensure these schools are ready for the safe return of learners and teachers to resume the academic year.
“The Coronavirus crisis has had a severe impact on the education of learners, “says CEO designate Mpumi Madisa. “We must do everything we can to ensure no child is left behind. This is why we are offering to assist at no cost to the schools or the provincial department of education. The aim is to ensure our children can resume their school work as safely and as quickly as possible and that educators are also protected”.
The schools requiring assistance have been identified by the Gauteng Education Department. Madisa says Bidvest is in discussions with the education authorities to roll-out similar initiatives in other provinces.
Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, received the go-ahead to start re-opening schools this week from the National Coronavirus Command Council and Cabinet.
In her address to the nation this week Motshekga said “”If there is anything that we have learned and appreciated from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is that we are all in this together. This is unchartered waters and that is why we have relied heavily on the advice of experts in the medical fraternity under the leadership of the Department of Health.”
“The Coronavirus crisis and required lockdown has impacted our society on all levels. We see partnerships like this one with the Gauteng Education Department as key to South Africa’s recovery” says Madisa.
