Pupils across the country will return to fully in-person schooling today with many having taken part in rotational learning since the Covid-19 pandemic began nearly two years ago. Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says all systems are a go for the big day and pupils from primary to secondary and special schools will be back to full attendance.
Learners have been adhering to the rotational learning timetable since June 2020 and while there have been concerns about returning to school on a full-time basis, Motshekga says there is “overwhelming” support for the return.
In a press conference on Sunday, she said, “Medical science has informed the decisions that have been made; and as a Sector, we will follow the advice from our public health experts. On Friday, 04 February 2022, CEM convened to consider the state of readiness for the full return of learners. We are confident that schools are ready for the new normal.”
Meanwhile, on the sporting front, Senegalese superstar Sadio Mane scored the decisive penalty as Senegal beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Final at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon on Sunday evening. The game failed to produce any goals in the regulation 90 minutes while a further 30 minutes of extra time couldn’t separate the two nations.
Egyptians Mohamed Abdelmonem and Mohanad Lasheen couldn’t convert their spot-kicks while Mane slotted home Senegal’s fifth penalty after his teammate Bouna Sarr failed to convert his penalty.
The victory is Senegal’s first AFCON triumph after previously losing the final on two occasions, in 2002 against Cameroon and 2019 against Algeria. Mane was also named the player of the tournament.
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