The Department of Education and the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) have extended their sorrow and condolences to the family of a KwaZulu-Natal teacher who has died due to coronavirus complications.
Tholakele Shandu taught at Plattdrive Primary School in Isipingo, Durban, and was hospitalised twice before ultimately succumbing to her illness. Her children, as well as a close friend, have all tested positive for the virus as well.
‘Refrain from stigma’
Sadtu general secretary Mugwena Maluleke said that South Africans must urgently come to terms with the fact that coronavirus does not discriminate, saying that everyone is affected.
“As the COVID-19 spreads, we call on the society not to stigmatise those who are affected and infected by the virus and their families.
“We call on the society to educate those who are still thinking that the virus knows boundaries and conspiracy theories to abide by the rules and regulations as promulgated by the government and stay indoors,” Maluleke said.
Death of teacher ‘devastating’
Shandu is the fifth South African to fall victim to the fatal impact of the virus, with South Africa’s confirmed cases currently standing at 1 353.
Minister for Basic Education Angie Motshekga said the death was a tragedy.
“We will ensure that the families, colleagues and classmates of the learner receive counselling. Losing teachers at a time like this is particularly hard when they are instrumental in ensuring that learning and teaching continue during the time of the lockdown,” she said in a statement.
Source: The South African Read More“We send our deepest and sincerest condolences to the Shandu family, learners and teachers of Plattdrive Primary School.”
