After extensive consultation with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management and South African Weather Service (SAWS), I have taken the decision in the interests of learner and educator safety to close schools in certain districts in the Western Cape tomorrow, 11 July 2024.
A level 8 weather warning has been issued by the SAWS for certain parts of the Province, affecting the Metro, Cape Winelands, Overberg and West Coast districts. An intense cold front is moving in over parts of these regions, bringing with it significant amounts of rainfall over these areas on Thursday, 11 July 2024. Due to the soil already being saturated, there is concern that the heavy rainfall will cause run-off and further flooding.
School closures will therefore take place in the following areas on 11 July 2024:
• All ordinary public and special schools in the Metro South, Metro Central, Metro North and Metro East Education Districts.
• All ordinary public and special schools in the Cape Winelands Education District
•All ordinary public and special schools in the Overberg Education District.
•All leamer transport to these schools and areas will be suspended for tomorrow, 11 July 2024.
•All remaining schools in West Coast District and the Eden and Central Karoo District will be open.
Principals in affected areas are to please remain available telephonically to be contacted by Circuit Managers.
Affected schools are to please inform their parents and caregivers of the closure and arrange for additional education activities for leamers, where possible.