About 89,000 learners have been affected after 125 schools in the Eden District Municipality and Central Karoo District Municipality were closed due to heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions.
The closures will remain in place on Thursday as authorities continue to monitor the situation amid ongoing disruptive weather affecting parts of the Western Cape.
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier said the decision was taken in response to the severity of the weather warnings in place.
“Our default position is always to keep schools open and only close schools in exceptional circumstances, but we made the decision based on the severity of the warnings in place,” Maynier said.
He confirmed that reports of weather-related damage have already been received from several schools across the affected districts.
“We have already received reports of damage to a number of schools, and we will provide support to schools to have damage repaired as soon as possible,” he said.
Maynier added that the department will continue to monitor conditions closely.
“We will continuously monitor and evaluate the situation to ensure that schools can reopen as soon as possible,” he said.
The closures come as severe weather continues to impact multiple parts of the country, with authorities urging residents to remain cautious and prioritise safety.
VOC News
Photo: Supplied
