Eight-two schools in the Western Cape have so far reported weather-related damage to schools. Most incidents are reportedly minor, with 31 cases regarded as more serious. This includes schools where roof sheeting was blown off. Despite this, and much to the dismay of many concerned parents, the Provincial Education Department has chosen to keep schools open.
On Tuesday, the South African Weather Service upgraded its severe weather warning for Thursday. An orange level 8 warning for disruptive rain leading to flooding and possible mudslides is expected over the City of Cape Town, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch. This is in addition to the current Yellow level 4 warning for damaging winds.
🟡The South African Weather Service has issued a fresh Level 8 warning for disruptive rain, valid for Thursday. The Level 8 warning is for the City of Cape Town, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch, with heavy rain that could result in more widespread flooding. #smile904fmnews pic.twitter.com/8gzQ7XjtAn
— Smile90.4 FM (@Smile904FM) July 9, 2024
“The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is having continuous engagements with the South African Weather Services and Provincial Disaster Management Committee. Schools will continue to remain open tomorrow, 10 July 2024. Individual requests for closure will be considered on a case-by-case basis,” said spokesperson Bronagh Hammond.
Since the series of cold fronts begun, social media has filled with fake news reports, causing panic.
READ MORE: CAPE STORM: Thousands of homes flooded as rivers burst their banks
“We again appeal to communities to discontinue spreading false information. Yesterday, there were a number of posts on social media that indicated that all schools were closed, which was false. Parents are to please address any queries with their schools directly, or visit the WCED media page for updates,” added Hammond.
Cape Town – Newlands: #Flooding on Newlands Avenue pic.twitter.com/zyhIxCPwDZ
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) July 9, 2024
ECONOMIC STRESSORS FOR SOME PARENTS
Patrick Solomon, a child’s rights activist from the non-profit organisation, Molo Songololo said he does not believe that it was an easy decision for the department, as there are many factors at play. He said many parents also do not have the luxury of being able to keep their children indoors:
READ MORE: More weather warnings as storms batter the Western Cape
“Some parents have chosen to keep learners at school, because it is a safe place for them. Many also receive meals at school. The other problem we also have is that some of our parents have to go to work, and they are unable to have someone to look after their children at home, so there are also those economic stressors that parents are facing,” said Solomon.
THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN
Meanwhile, Tasneem Jacobs – a concerned mother of 2 from Bonteheuwel – said the WCED should have opted to close schools:
“I honestly feel that they should be closing the schools temporarily, at least for the rest of the week because of the current conditions. The roads are flooded, so it should be a case of ‘safety first’,” concluded Jacobs.
