Teacher unions snubbed a workshop organised by the department of basic education on Saturday on the eve of preparations by schools countrywide to phase in most of the other eight grades on Monday.

This came as educators and the department have myriad problems to deal with, including scholar transport, overcrowding in schools and hostels, and proper water and sanitation services.

Pupils are scheduled to return on Monday, either through classes being rotated on alternate days or weeks or by teaching in the mornings and afternoons through the platoon system. This includes grades R-4, 6, 9 and 11...