DA seeks to interdict closure of schools
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has approached the High Court in Pretoria to challenge the decision to close public schools for four weeks in August.
The official opposition is seeking an urgent order from the court to declare the decision by Cabinet unlawful, unconstitutional and not binding.
President Ramaphosa announced last week that public schools would close as the country head into its Covid-19 peak.
But the DA’s Belinda Bozzoli says the decision has not yet been gazetted.
"The truth is that the word of the president is not law, only the law is the law. Gazetted regulations contain carefully described powers, rights and obligations. They also clearly specify which regulations or directions they repeal or amend.
“In contrast, an announcement, such as the president’s, is not aimed at describing rights, obligations and powers – it is usually a political document aimed at justifying a position or influencing public opinion.”
Bozzoli believes the decision to close schools was rash and politically-motivated.
"It was not a decision taken in the best interest of the academic progress of learners. The closure of schools is by far the least effective strategy to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and will have devastating consequences for years to come.”