The Western Cape Education Department has announced its decision to extend the closure of schools in the Cape Winelands and Overberg districts to Friday, following a meeting with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management (PDRM).
However, all schools in the other education districts are to re-open tomorrow.
This means that schools in the Cape Town, the West Coast, and the Eden and Central Karoo Education Districts will be open tomorrow unless approval has been granted by the Head of Department.
‘This decision is based on the interests of learner and teacher safety in the Overberg and Cape Winelands Education Districts, particularly with regard to travelling to and from schools,’ said Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier.
The rainfall has caused widespread damage to roads and flooding, affecting school transport routes and resulting in the closure of many schools.
According to the provincial department, several schools have also reported flood damage to their premises.
“We have asked that schools i
n the Overberg and Cape Winelands Education Districts to inform their parents and caregivers of the continued closure tomorrow.’
These schools will reopen on Monday, 15 July 2024, unless communicated otherwise.
According to the department, 217 schools across the province have now reported some form of damage to school infrastructure or disruption.
‘Last night’s heavy rains and strong winds unfortunately contributed towards this figure. Eighty-six cases are regarded as serious and require our attention. Our infrastructure teams are addressing these cases as fast as possible. I am grateful for their continued commitment in these adverse conditions,’ Maynier said.
‘I am also very appreciative of the support received from school principals and their management teams in implementing the decision to close schools in some of our districts.’
He took the time to thank all parents and caregivers for their support.
‘We do not decide to close schools lightly and have the best interests of our learners and teachers
at heart when making these decisions,’ Maynier added.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level 8 warning for disruptive rain.
The Western Cape Government (WCG) said the warning remains in place for heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides, particularly in the Cape Town metro, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch regions.
Parents can use the ‘Find my School’ search finder to confirm if their school falls under these two districts where the schools will be closed by visiting https://wcedemis.westerncape.gov.za/wced/findaschool.html.
Source: South African Government News Agency