WC schools to reopen on Tuesday, despite inclement weather - WCED

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that despite the inclement weather, schools will reopen on Tuesday, for the start of the third school term.

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The South African Weather Services has issued an orange level 6 warning for disruptive rain and damaging waves on Tuesday, leading to flooding and possible mudslides. A yellow level 4 warning for damaging winds and waves between Lambert's Bay and Cape Agulhas from Tuesday morning.

Spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said requests for closure, due to inaccessibility of roads, may be considered for individual schools pending damages incurred overnight by heavy rainfall.

 ‘’29 schools have reported damages as a result of heavy winds and rainfall. The majority of the 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. The WCED is assessing these damages and are in contact with the schools to determine their needs and arrangements for continued teaching and learning.‘’

‘’While the weather conditions will improve for the reopening of schools, particularly the wind conditions, it is envisaged that it will still be a dark and wet start to the school term. Rain coats, umbrellas and reflective gear is encouraged, and even 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,’’ added Hammond.

She says the WCED 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,’’ said Bronagh Hammond, WCED spokesperson.

Please note that all schools in the Western Cape will reopen tomorrow, 9 July 2024, for the third term. Any information claiming otherwise is fake. pic.twitter.com/SKpguOVCK5

— WCEDNews (@WCEDnews) July 8, 2024

Done by: Mitchum George