(Foto: City of Cape Town/X)
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has announced that all schools in the province will be closed on Tuesday due to the severe stormy weather that is currently plaguing the Western Cape.
The decision was made after discussions with the provincial disaster management center and the weather service, with the safety of learners and educators as the main reason for the closure.
According to the WCED, a second cold front will move over parts of the province on Monday afternoon and evening, which is expected to cause further disruptive rainfall, strong winds and flooding until Tuesday.
“All schools in the province will be closed on May 12. All learner transport is also suspended,” the department said in a statement.
(Foto: City of Cape Town/X)
Schools have been requested to notify parents, guardians and transport service providers immediately of the closure.
The department further indicated that schools are expected to reopen on Wednesday, conditions permitting.
Principals in all the districts have meanwhile been requested to report any storm damage immediately on the system so that support and intervention can be arranged quickly.
The WCED also recommended that centers for early childhood development take the same precautions and close their doors on Tuesday in the interest of children’s safety.
“We call on everyone to stay safe and exercise extreme caution, especially when travelling,” said Brent Walters, head of education in the Western Cape.
Maroela Media earlier reported that the province has already been hit by severe weather since the weekend, with widespread flooding, blown trees, damage to infrastructure and power outages reported in several areas.