Statement by André Gaum, Western Cape Education Minister

It was with dismay that I learned of the flooding of Montagu Primary School.

The school has been vacated under supervision and parents were notified to take their children home. The school is now covered in mud and the clean-up process is under way.

The WCED is aware of the situation and is processing a request for financial assistance with regard to appointing a contractor for the clean up of the school. We are happy to assist in this regard and wish to support the school as much as we are able to.

We are grateful to report that no casualties among learners and teachers have been reported and that all learners and teachers of the Breederivier-Overberg EMDC are safe.

At this stage there are no reports of any damage to other schools in the district, although many rural and multigrade schools are disrupted by rain. Attendance is low because of flooded roads and bridges that render schools inaccessible.

It is important that we restore normal school activities as soon as possible and loose only the minimum of teaching hours.