Claim: The government has deferred the opening date for schools due to heavy rains
Verdict: Incorrect
In a message making rounds on WhatsApp, the government is said to have postponed the opening of schools by a further week because of the heavy rains which are currently being experienced in some parts of the country.
The message reads: “Government has given a directive to the Ministry of Education to delay the opening of schools for another week due to the anticipated heavy rains this week. This means that schools will now be opened on the 16th of January 2023.”
However, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education only suspended travel for pupils in boarding schools in Manicaland and Masvingo Provinces in light of heavy rain and flood alerts.
The opening date for schools remains Monday 9 January 2023.
The Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs Tumisang Thabela issued a statement on 5 January addressing Provincial Education Directors of Manicaland and Masvingo Provinces alerting them of the anticipated storms and excess rains in those provinces.
“The Civil Protection Unit has alerted of the potential imminent excess rainfall and storms between 6 and 8 January 2023 particularly in Manicaland province: Mutare rural, Chimanimani, Chipinge, Buhera, and in Masvingo Province: Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Gutu, Bikita and Zaka Districts.”
“In view of this warning, boarding pupils are advised to travel after these dates,” reads part of the statement.
Conclusion: Schools are opening on Monday 9 January 2023.
