Amid delay of possible school  reopening and learning loss the Free State Department of Education has suspended  schooling, tomorrow, Monday , 17 January 2022  in Qwa Qwa due to heavy downpour that  damage large part of Qwa Qwa limiting movement of residents including learners and teachers.

“Together with other stakeholders we will tomorrow assess the situation and accordingly advise schools in Qwa Qwa whether we will continue within the suspension of schooling or not.” said Free State Education, Tate Makgoe.

“We are painstakingly taking this decision to protect our learners, teachers and non-teaching personnel in our school, ” Makgoe said .

The department urge learners, teachers and parents to exercise extreme caution during these devastating floods.

The department also wish to convey condolences to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives due to this tragedy.

We are calling on them to :

• Stay indoors in cases of heavy rain and stormy weather
• Those living in low lying areas which often experience flooding should take extra caution
• Never try to walk, swim, or drive through fast-moving flood water
• If they must travel by car, they must try, and identify alternative routes that are not exposed to flooding
• Avoid cross flooded areas; it’s best to stop, turn around and go another way
• Teachers who are driving should never attempt to cross flooded low water bridges
• Watch for washed out roads, earth slides, and fallen trees or power lines.

The department encourage parents and teachers to help in emphasising these precautionary measures at home and at school.

Source: Government of South Africa