Schools in several districts across the Eastern and Western Cape remained closed on Wednesday and Thursday following the issuance of a Level 8 severe weather warning by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
In the Eastern Cape, the Department of Education announced the suspension of classes in the Nelson Mandela Bay, Sara Baartman, and Buffalo City districts as a precautionary measure to safeguard learners, educators, and school staff.
The department has instructed affected districts to activate safety and contingency measures in response to the anticipated adverse weather conditions. Mid-year examinations scheduled during the closure period will be rescheduled, while catch-up programmes will be introduced where necessary to recover lost teaching time.
Acting Head of Department Qaphela Luthuli said school principals should put alternative communication systems in place to ensure that learning support continues during the disruption.
“There is no schooling in these districts to ensure the safety of all our learners. Should there be any developments relating to this issue, districts will be informed in due course,” said Luthuli.
He added that the measures are aimed at ensuring that any lost instructional time is effectively recovered once schools reopen.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department confirmed that schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education Districts will also be closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to the severe weather threat affecting those areas.
The closures follow a Level 8 weather warning issued by SAWS for parts of both provinces, prompting education authorities to take precautionary action.
Weather forecasters have also indicated that a cold front is expected to move over Gauteng during the weekend.
