The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirms all schools across the province will be open on Wednesday, 10 April.
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This announcement comes after the closure of schools on Monday and Tuesday in the Cape Winelands, Overberg and Helderberg regions as a result of the damaging weather conditions.
This has impacted 406 schools and 270 000 learners, with learner transport routes also inactive. Additionally, 392 routes, which typically transport over 20 000 learners to school daily, were affected by the adverse weather conditions.
David Maynier, Western Cape MEC of Education, said that the department will formally communicate the decision to schools.
‘There may be schools that request closure due to severe infrastructure damage or inaccessibility,’ Maynier explained.
‘This will be considered by the department on a case-by-case basis through the normal procedures for requesting school closure. Schools with the necessary permission to close will communicate with parents.’
He mentioned that the department has already received reports of damage at 144 schools.
Damage reports vary from minor issues like leaks and fallen trees to more serious damage, such as missing roof panels.
Maynier said, ‘Our contractors are assessing damages and have already started with repairs at some of the schools.’
‘We thank all our officials, principles, teachers, and parents for their response to the stormy weather, and for the support they continue to provide to our learners in the Western Cape,’ Maynier concluded.
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Picture: @DavidMaynier / X