On Thursday, 15 July 2021, the Department of Basic Education issued Amended Directions No. 44858 which provide as follows:
- The closure of schools to be extended to Friday, 23 July 2021, and that schools shall therefore reopen for contact classes on Monday, 26 July 2021.
- Heads of schools, school management teams (SMT), teaching and non-teaching staff may return to school on Thursday, 22 July 2021 in preparation for the return of learners.
- Grade 11/12 winter vacation, learner support and/or revision programmes are permitted to continue under strict adherence to COVID-19 health and hygiene protocols.
The ISASA Legal and Policy Department has released a memorandum discussing the implications for independent schools. The memo is available for member download.