Gauteng Education set to reduce distancing in schools Provincial education department to relax 1m rule so 40 kids can fit into classrooms 25 July 2021 - 00:03 Pupils will return to school tomorrow and follow their existing timetable - but all primary school pupils are expected to attend school daily from next Monday, August 2. Image: Esa Alexander In a bid to accommodate up to 40 pupils in a classroom in primary schools, the Gauteng education department has told principals not to "strictly enforce" the 1m social distancing requirement. Gauteng principals were informed of this change during a virtual meeting on school readiness with senior officials of the provincial education department on Thursday.