WC schools to reopen despite current adverse weather

The Western Cape Education Department has confirmed that schools will officially open for the 3rd term on Tuesday, 9 July, despite the current weather warnings in place across the province.

The South African Weather Service has issued an orange level 6 warning for disruptive rain leading to flooding and possible mudslides is expected over the City of Cape Town, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch municipalities on Tuesday.

A yellow level 4 warning for disruptive rain is also expected over the West Coast, Cape Winelands and Overberg districts. And a yellow level 4 warning for damaging winds along the coast between Lambert’s Bay and Cape Agulhas, spreading to Mossel Bay by Wednesday.

The Education Department says it has consulted with the SA Weather Services and Provincial Disaster Management Committee regarding the current weather warnings.

“Requests for closure, due to inaccessibility of roads, may be considered for individual schools pending damages incurred overnight by heavy rainfall.”

According to the WCED, 29 schools have already reported damages as a result of recent heavy winds and rainfall. Most of these reports are leaks in roofs or minor flooding. Three schools have reported more serious damages after roof sheets were blown off with strong wind gusts in the West Coast region.

Damage assessments are being done at schools that have reported damages and the department is in contact with the schools to determine their needs and arrangements for continued teaching and learning.

The department says it will continue to monitor the situation, in discussion with the Provincial Disaster Management Committee, and will communicate with schools if necessary.

“We ask that the public do not spread misinformation and that they obtain information from official channels like the WCED and Western Cape Government and trusted media platforms.”

While the current adverse weather conditions are likely to improve in some regions for the reopening of schools, particularly the wind conditions, it will still be a dark and wet start to the school term.

Parents are therefore encouraged to ensure that learners use raincoats, umbrellas and reflective gear, and even a possible change of clothes. Parents and learners are to please exercise caution on the roads.

“The cape winter is certainly back, with many more wet days that we can expect to embrace in the school term.”