South Africa has been experiencing increasingly erratic weather patterns, with severe storms, intense fires, and flooding becoming more common. Due to this, South African schools close to take precautions to protect students and staff, with some opting to close temporarily when weather conditions become hazardous.
Safety First
The primary concern of school closures is student safety. Heavy rains and flooding can create dangerous travel conditions, and high winds can cause damage to school buildings or pose a risk of falling debris. In areas with extreme winds, students may be vulnerable to wildfires and other dangers. School authorities take these threats seriously, prioritising the well-being of their students.
South African Schools Close in Affected Regions
The coastal provinces, particularly the Western Cape and parts of the Eastern Cape, are often heavily affected by severe storms and flooding. Inland regions are not immune, with some experiencing damaging hailstorms and the risk of flash floods. Schools in areas with weather warnings often preemptively announce closures to minimise disruption and allow families to plan.
According to Education MEC David Maynier, schools in the Overberg and Cape Winelands will reopen on Wednesday. He explained that 144 schools had reported property damages, ranging from minor issues, such as leaks and fallen trees, to serious damage, like missing roof panels.
Disrupted Education
While safety is paramount, school closures create challenges for students, parents, and educators. Learning is disrupted, impacting the curriculum, and potentially creating educational setbacks. Working parents may struggle to find alternative childcare arrangements with short notice. Schools are working to mitigate these disruptions by providing online learning resources or alternative schedules when possible.
MEC Maynier added:
“There may be schools that request closure due to severe infrastructure damage or inaccessibility. 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 directly with parents.”
Staying Informed
Parents and students are advised to closely monitor weather alerts issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS). School districts and individual schools often provide updates through official websites, social media, or text message notifications. It’s essential to stay informed and follow instructions from local authorities and school boards.
Residents in the cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane have been cautioned by emergency services to be wary of low-lying areas and avoid crossing flooded roads and streams. Several incidents of trapped citizens were attended to on Monday by Gauteng EMS.
Looking Ahead
Climate scientists project that extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent and intense in South Africa. This highlights the need for long-term strategies to ensure the safety and continuity of education. This might include:
- Investment in weather-resistant infrastructure for schools
- Developing comprehensive emergency response plans
- Expanding online learning capabilities to reduce disruptions.
Related: School Holidays in South Africa.
While school closures can be inconvenient, they are a necessary precaution in the face of increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather. Prioritising safety will ensure that South African students can continue to learn and thrive in a secure environment.
