Schools are open for the start of the third term - 9 July 2024

Statement by Bronagh Hammond
Director Communication

8 July 2024

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) looks forward to welcoming back learners tomorrow, Tuesday 9 July 2024, for the start of the third school term.

The WCED has consulted with the South African Weather Services and Provincial Disaster Management Committee and can confirm that all schools are to officially open. 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.

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.