Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku has announced that schools in the Kingdom of Eswatini will open on 29 March 2021 for the 2021 school calendar.

The Acting Prime Minister has been speaking during a Press Briefing that was held at the Cabinet on Thursday where he announced a number of relaxed measures of the partial lockdown.

However, Masuku revealed that face-to-face teaching in the country will resume on the 29th of March 2021 but not all learners will be allowed to attend classes at once as social distancing may be impossible.

He said a rotational attendance schedule and blended approach to teaching and learning have been developed and will be provided by the Ministry of Education and Training.

Under this schedule, Masuku said a specific number of pupils will be allowed to schools for face-to-face teaching time on specific days and given assignment to do while at home.

Masuku expressed that the government fully understand that re-opening schools at this point requires caution, preparedness and provision of equipment necessary for the safety of all students and teachers.

Masuku said the government has already paid out all due funds to schools which includes Free Primary Education grants as well as the Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s grant for 2020 and the first tranche of 2021 fees.

He said the government also constructed hand washing stations in schools to ensure that hand hygiene health protocols are enforced. He further assured the country that the government will continue supplying schools with soap, sanitizers, water tanks, scanners, and face masks to replenish the already existing supplies.