All public schools in the Western Cape will be closed on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, following severe weather warnings and growing concerns over the safety of learners and teachers.
The decision was announced by the Western Cape Education Department after consultations with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service.
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier said the closure followed updated weather projections and worsening conditions across the province.
“In the interests of learner and teacher safety, and after extensive consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service, a decision has been taken to close all schools in the Western Cape on Tuesday, 12 May 2026,” Maynier said.
The closure includes all public ordinary and special schools in the province.
According to the department, as of 13:30 on Monday, a total of 227 schools had already applied for closure, in addition to those previously closed in the Cape Winelands and Eden and Central Karoo districts.
A number of schools have also suffered storm-related damage, which officials are currently assessing.
“We are mindful of the severity of the warnings currently in place and will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation to ensure that schools can reopen as soon as possible, which is currently expected to be on Wednesday, 13 May 2026,” Maynier said.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as disruptive weather conditions continue across large parts of the province.
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