Stormy weather forces Western Cape schools to close
The Department of Education in the Western Cape says 20 schools affected by the inclement weather in the province will be closed on Thursday.
The schools situated in the Central, East, North, South, Cape Winelands and Overberg Districts.
Over the past few days, 137 schools have reported some form of damage to infrastructure, either as a result of flooding or heavy winds.
The majority of the cases are minor, while 49 cases require our urgent attention.
Education MEC David Maynier on Wednesday said that this is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the pupils and teachers.
"The schools have received official notice of the closure from the Head of Department, and have been requested to communicate the closures to parents.
"All other schools in the remaining districts will be open unless approval has been granted for closure. This will be done on a case-by-case basis.
"Our default position is always to keep schools open, but are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place and the damage already caused in certain areas."
Maynier said 20 schools have been granted permission to close, the majority of which are in the Cape Winelands district.
"I am extremely proud of our infrastructure team who are rapidly addressing the reports coming through. It is not easy in these continued extreme conditions; however, they are determined to reduce further damage and ensure structural safety."
The schools are expected to reopen on Friday.
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