âââ 13:14 Wed, 27 Jan 2021 The North West Department of Education welcomed back all Senior Management Teams (SMTs) across the province. Earlier this week, all principals, general assistants and non-teaching staff returned to school in preparation for the 2021 academic year following the Minister of Basic Education's amended directions, says Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi. He adds that the MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela, announced that the province will return to school under the new adjusted level 3 lockdown regulations. Malindi adds that each school's Covid-19 compliance will be regulated and monitored by an internal compliance officer. Matsemela toured the Areaganeng Secondary and Marikana Secondary Schools to monitor their Covid-19 compliance and assured community members that the departmentâs top priority is the safety and health of all schoolsâ teachers and learners, says Malindi.