Severe weather has left a trail of disruption across the Western Cape, forcing several schools to close and damaging infrastructure in others.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that 11 schools, mainly in the Cape Winelands, Eden, and Central Karoo districts will remain closed for the rest of the week, as access roads to these schools remain blocked.

WCED MEC David Maynier confirmed that the affected learners will be given the opportunity to catch up on all missed academic work.

“We expect that they will remain closed for the rest of the week and will make arrangements for learners to catch up the missed schoolwork,” Maynier added.

Maynier said that although many schools have reopened, around 60 have reported damage and are still being assessed for urgent repairs.

“We also have about 60 schools that have reported damage requiring assistance from the department, and these are currently being assessed for repairs. These schools have, however, made arrangements to be open,” he said.

The Western Cape Department of Mobility is appealing to motorists to avoid drinking and driving as the department recorded several deaths on the province’s roads in a one-week period.

At least 20 people tragically lost their lives in 17 separate motor vehicle accidents between 11 and 17 May, during a period of severe weather conditions across the province.

Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, has urged motorists to obey the rules of the road, revealing that more than 28 drivers were arrested for drunk driving during the same period.

“Traffic officers arrested 40 individuals for various offences, including 28 motorists arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Among those arrested was a man in Brackenfell on Wednesday after officers found him in possession of 1 076 bundles of Khat with an estimated value of R22 596. On Friday, a man was arrested in Ashton after being found driving a stolen vehicle. On Saturday, a man was arrested in Grabouw after allegedly attempting to bribe a traffic officer with R50 during a routine traffic stop.”

Sileku says the department is working tirelessly to remove unfit and reckless drivers from the province’s roads to improve road safety and prevent further loss of life.

“Every traffic officer on duty is working to help prevent crashes and save lives. We will continue to enforce the law, remove unsafe drivers and vehicles from our roads, and prioritise the safety of all road users. With the upcoming payday weekend, we appeal to residents not to drink and drive and to make responsible decisions for their own safety and the safety of others.”