Last night’s talk shows focused on the run-up to the new 2021-2022 school year: Some 800k people working in Egypt’s education system have so far received at least one dose of a covid vaccine in preparation, Education Minister Tarek Shawki said in a phone call with El Hekaya (watch, runtime: 1:10 | 1:24 | 3:39). The ministry is aiming to vaccinate a total 1.6 mn school employees as we approach the start of the new school year, which kicks off on 12 September for international schools regulated by the Education Ministry and 9 October for public schools. Some 95% of teachers and school staff have registered to receive jabs, he said..

Covid-19 vaccination became mandatory in August for all 18+ year-old students, teachers and staff at Egyptian schools and universities. Unvaccinated employees in the education sector must receive a covid-19 vaccine, which will be offered to them at no charge.

Schools will not close except in “the gravest of circumstances,” Shawki said, emphasizing that efforts are being made to ensure a complete academic year. He said coursework and attendance would be marked, adding that university students, Thanaweya Amma or even younger students could be given vaccines if enough are available. Egypt’s pharma regulator is yet to approve the use of covid vaccines for people under the age of 18.

The ministry has finalized rules for private schools that charge fees, and an announcement will be made soon, the minister said. Fees will be paid electronically under the ministry’s supervision, and this will apply to all schools, whether international, Japanese, or private experimental. Shawki pledged to investigate any complaints made against schools accused of unreasonable fee hikes (1:27 | 2:51 | 1:45).

Maait talks capital gains tax: Meanwhile, Finance Minister Mohamed Maait appeared on Ala Mas’ouleety to reiterate that the ministry has no plans to introduce a capital gains tax on EGX share sales next year (watch, runtime: 23:04), while his tax advisor Ramy Youssef was on Kelma Akhira to explain the differences between capital gains tax and stamp duty (watch, runtime: 4:56). We have the full story in this morning’s Speed Round, above.

Hossam El Badry gets the boot: There was also much talk of the EFA’s decision to replace head coach Hossam El Badry and his backroom staff after Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Gabon in its World Cup qualifier this week. A new coach and staff will be announced within days, with two Egyptians, Hossam Hassan and Ihab Galal, making the candidate list alongside three Portuguese picks. Kelma Akhira (watch, runtime: 2:14 | 1:50 | 12:11), Masaa DMC (watch, runtime: 14:46), Hadith Al-Qahera (watch, runtime: 31:20), Al Hayah Al Youm (watch, runtime: 37:43), Alaa Mas’ouleety (watch, runtime 27:45) and El Hekayah (watch, runtime: 8:44) all had the story.