Update on weather conditions and its effect on schools in the Western Cape

The Western Cape Education Department welcomes its learners, staff and teachers back to school today.

It was a wet and cold start to the school term with teaching and learning resuming at the majority of our schools, barring five schools, which were officially closed. The schools were closed as a result of either flooding, inaccessibility to access routes and damage to the school building.

In total, 82 schools have reported damages to schools. The majority of cases are minor, with 31 cases regarded as more serious. This includes schools where roof sheeting was blown off.

The WCED infrastructure sub-directorate has been assessing the damages and prioritizing repair work based on immediate risks and needs. Repair work has already begun on some projects. We appreciate the efforts of the teams especially under the continuous wet weather conditions.

Schools have cordoned off areas that are affected and are making alternative arrangements where required.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is having continuous engagements with the South African Weather Services and Provincial Disaster Management Committee. Schools will continue to remain open tomorrow, 10 July 2024. Individual requests for closure will be considered on a case by case basis.

We again appeal to communities to discontinue spreading false information. Yesterday, there were a number of posts on social media that indicated that all schools were closed, which was false. Parents are to please address any queries with their schools directly, or visit the WCED media page for updates.