The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has confirmed that several schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District will be closed on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, and Thursday, 7 May 2026, as a cold front is expected to make landfall later today, bringing severe rainfall to the region.
The department said the decision to close schools was taken after extensive consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), which has issued severe rainfall warnings for affected areas.
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier said the closure was made in the interest of safety for both learners and educators.
“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 schools in certain areas,” Maynier said.
The department confirmed that all public ordinary and special needs schools in specific circuits will remain closed on both days due to the weather warning.
Affected areas
The following school circuits will be closed:
- Circuits 3 and 8 (George)
- Circuit 4 (Knysna)
- Circuits 5 and 6 (Oudtshoorn)
Maynier added that schools have already been informed and instructed to notify parents and caregivers as soon as possible so that families can make appropriate arrangements ahead of the weather impact.
“All schools are expected to open on Friday, 8 May 2026. We will, however, evaluate the weather prediction for the end of the week to determine whether any individual school closures are necessary for the remainder of the week,” Maynier stressed.
The department further clarified that all other schools across the province will remain open unless otherwise communicated.
