Deaths of learners must be prevented by all means during the inclement weather conditions, including keeping matrics who cross rivers to school at home.
This was a caution by the education department O.R. Tambo Coastal district director, Dr Bongie Peyana. The message follows heavy rains and strong winds that have led to homes flooding and others collapsing.
In the meantime, Eskom issued a statement announcing electricity supply disruption in parts of the province.
Peyana said that principals in all areas of the district must be warned to prevent school attendance by young learners. “Let’s make it a point that learners are safe and that there are no fatalities in the process. Let all principals observe that and stay cautioned. Make sure that parents don’t bring learners to school. Even if pupils are doing grade 12 or grade 11, they should not attend school if they need to cross rivers, otherwise we will have unnecessary deaths,” he said. It could not be established what plans will be made for those who miss exams.
Meanwhile, Eskom Cape Coastal Cluster said gale force winds, rain and snow experienced over the past 24 hours have disrupted electricity supply in various parts of the province. The power utility said its teams were on various sites preparing to make areas safe and start with the restoration of electricity supply. “We urge customers to be patient and treat all electricity appliances as live during this time. As some areas continue to experience adverse weather conditions, supply restoration might take longer as accessing some sites might pose a challenge,” Eskom said.
Affected areas include Mthatha, Qumbu and Tsolo, Elliotdale, Matatiele, KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) and Bizana. Other affected areas are Emaxesibeni (Mount Ayliff), Khowa (Elliot) and Komani, Dutywa, and Butterworth. Customers can report power supply issues on MyEskom Customer App or via WhatsApp on 08600 37566.
