Schools in Port Elizabeth's Northern Areas are expected to re-open on Thurday following a crisis meeting between Education MEC, Mandla Makupula and school principals.
That's according to a notice from the Northern Areas Education Forum who have also appealed to residents to ignore social media messages warning of further chaos.
Forum secretary, Richard Draai, said they had a meeting with parents and school governing bodies Tuesday night to provide them with the feedback from the earlier meeting between MEC Makupula and school principals.
Draai said they have also received the support of Nelson Mandela Bay executive mayor, Danny Jordaan, in finding lasting solutions to the Education issues afflicting schools in the Metro's Northern Areas.
Meanwhile, Eastern Cape Education MEC, Mandla Makupula, said he has called on the National Education Department for assistance in addressing teachers shortages in schools in Port Elizabeth's Northern Areas.
He said to date 45 teaching posts have been provided for by the Department.
"We have initially given this District 173 posts to address this and 124 were filled. In addition in May this year we gave the District 122 posts to fill all other vacant posts following an audit on the shortage of teachers conducted by the District upon our request," he said in a statement.
Makapula said he had been informed by the Education District that the shortage of educators are in critical posts that include Afrikaans educators for Maths, Science and Foundation Phase.
"Thus far I have met with various stakeholders to address these and I am happy to announce that since Friday last week a reasonable number of submissions has been registered by the District to address these matters. Out of 122 posts only 55 were appointed as of last week and schools are still submitting to address the 67 outstanding ones," he said.
MEC Makapula also made a special plea to parents and School Governing Bodies to "continue their good work while working within their prescripts of the Law to ensure that schools are functional and learners are protected at all times.'
