GARDEN METAPHOR DISCUSSION: Using the garden metaphor as described by Lim (2002) the following can be argued: Society at large: Due to the COVID-19 scenario, the society at large are guided by the Government under leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister, Dr. Zweli Mkhize. We are all directed by what measures the government put in place and, to what extent, we are impacted as a people. Education System: The education system, both Basic Education and Higher Education are guided by what the Ministers of both Ministries are saying, as well as the Trade Unions in these respective departments. The following are points to ponder as described in the Joint Union Statement if the plan of the Department of Basic Education is to be implemented: Curriculum · If curriculum trimming and curriculum reorganization is to be implemented (accelerated learning programmes are not supported) teachers need clear guidance from a carefully r...