The Eastern Cape Department of Education will welcome back Ikhwezi Lokusa Special school learners as they resume classes tomorrow, Wednesday, April 3rd 2024.

This follows a series of meetings with all concerned stakeholders including parents, learners, SGB and all social partners trying to resolve the matter.

Following that, the department had to lead the resumption of schooling as per the adopted project plan which is meant to drive this venture.

A communication inviting all Ikhwezi Lokusa parents to bring children back to school as per the agreement of the last meeting, held last week has been issued.

Since readily available accommodation space in the interim can accommodate 65 individuals, this by implication means only Grades six to nine learners will start schooling tomorrow.

This excludes all day scholars, as they are expected to start school tomorrow with everyone. The department is providing transport for the off campus learners as long as they reside within twenty (20) kilometres radius from the school.

All other pupils are expected to start their schooling as of Monday, April 8th, 2024. The staggering approach of learners back to school is for smooth take-off of the business continuity.

The department has communicated this decision with all School Governing Body (SGB) representatives, the Education District Forum (DEF) and labour unions.

A delegation comprised of officials for the Head Office officials and the district will be at the school tomorrow to welcome and receive the learners.

The department is currently embarking on the renovations of the school hostel as part of the first phase and the anticipated completion date is mid-June 2024.

Phase two of the project will focus on the school facelift, despite that, negotiations are at advance stage since this is Public School on Private Property (PSoPP).

Lesson plans for remedial and work coverage have been developed and ready for implementation.

Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Education Communications Directorate. For enquiries, please contact the DoE Spokesperson, Mr Malibongwe Mtima @ 062 057 1591, Acting Director Communication and Events, Ms Nyameka Mgijima-Tokwe @ 060 530 0348.