WC schools to reopen on Friday

After a day reprieve, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that schools in the Cape Town metro, the West Coast Education District, and the Eden and Central Karoo Education District, will reopen on Friday. Schools were closed in the province on Thursday, amid severe weather.

PHOTO - Social Media: Spine Road High Schol in Mitchell's Plain roof blown off

According to the WCED, 217 schools across the province have reported some form of damage to school infrastructure or disruption. Eighty-six cases are regarded as serious.

‘’Last night’s heavy rains and strong winds unfortunately contributed towards this figure… Our infrastructure teams are addressing these cases as fast as possible. I am grateful for their continued commitment in these adverse conditions,’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape Education MEC.

The MEC said however that schools in the Cape Winelands and Overberg districts will remain closed on Friday.

‘’This decision is based on the interests of learner and teacher safety in the Overberg and Cape Winelands Education Districts, particularly with regard to travelling to and from schools. Extensive rainfall has caused widespread damage to roads and flooding, affecting school transport routes. A number of schools have also reported flood damage to their premises,’’ said Maynier.

‘’We have asked that schools in the Overberg and Cape Winelands Education Districts to inform their parents and caregivers of the continued closure tomorrow. These schools will reopen on Monday, 15 July 2024, unless communicated otherwise,’’

‘’We do not take the decision to close schools lightly, and have the best interests of our learners and teachers at heart when making these decisions,’’ he added.

 

Done by: Mitchum George