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GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has announced the temporary closure of several schools on Monday, 11 May 2026, as a low-pressure weather system is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to parts of the province.
The decision follows consultations with Provincial Disaster Risk Management and the South African Weather Service, with learner and educator safety cited as the primary concern.
Schools in Circuits 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Cape Winelands Education District will remain closed for the day. All learner transport services operating to and within these areas have also been suspended.
Affected schools have been instructed to notify parents, caregivers and learner transport providers immediately. Schools are expected to reopen on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, should conditions improve.
In addition, 11 schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education Districts have been granted permission to remain closed due to ongoing transport and infrastructure challenges caused by last week’s severe storm. School principals will communicate directly with parents regarding these closures.
All other schools across the Western Cape will remain open.
The WCED indicated that schools in other circuits experiencing flooding risks or learner transport disruptions may apply individually for closure in accordance with existing protocols. Each application will be assessed based on prevailing conditions.
Principals across the province have also been requested to report any storm-related damage on the CEMIS system without delay to ensure swift intervention and support.
Early Childhood Development centres have been urged to prioritise learner safety, particularly where young children may need to travel along potentially hazardous routes.
Head of Education Brent Walters thanked schools and authorities for their cooperation during recent adverse weather conditions and encouraged residents to exercise extreme caution, especially when travelling.
“We urge everyone to remain safe and vigilant during this period of severe weather,” the department said.
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