CAPE TOWN – All schools across the Western Cape have been ordered to close on Tuesday 12 May, as severe weather conditions have prompted urgent intervention from provincial authorities.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) announced the widespread closure following extensive consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), citing the safety of learners and teachers as the primary concern.

The closure affects all public ordinary and special schools across the province – a sweeping measure that reflects the seriousness of the threat posed by the ongoing storm system.

Several regions in the province have been hit hard by two frontal systems that have battered large parts since it made landfall on Sunday 10 May.

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Unprecedented decision

The SAWS and Disaster Management officials issued the closure recommendation based on updated weather projections and deteriorating conditions on the ground. While the WCED says its default position is to keep schools open, it acknowledged the exceptional severity of the current weather warnings left officials with little choice.

“We are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place,” said education MEC David Maynier, adding that the situation will be continuously monitored to ensure schools can reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.

Schools are currently expected to resume normal operations on Wednesday 13 May, pending further assessment.

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Already closed

By 13:30 on Monday 11 May, a total of 227 schools had already applied for individual closure – in addition to those already included in a district-wide closure list covering the Cape Winelands and Eden and Central Karoo districts.

Maynier also confirmed that a number of school buildings have sustained damage as a result of the storm, with assessments currently underway to determine the full extent of the destruction.

The MEC thanked school principals, teachers, officials and parents for their cooperation in implementing the closures swiftly and efficiently.

Special recognition was extended to first responders, emergency services personnel, and disaster management officials who continue to operate on the ground in support of affected schools.

As the storm continues to batter the region, residents are urged to stay indoors, heed official warnings, and monitor updates from SAWS and local authorities.