Teaching and learning have resumed at all schools in the Cape Winelands Education District that were forced to close during last week’s severe weather conditions, while several schools in other parts of the province are still affected by storm-related disruptions.
The Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier, confirmed on Friday (22 May) that six schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District remain closed due to blocked access roads.
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Maynier said district officials and school staff are continuing efforts to restore normal teaching and learning at the affected schools as quickly as possible.
“District officials and school staff are working on getting teaching and learning back to normal for these schools as soon as possible.”
He added that catch-up plans would be implemented to minimise the impact of the disruptions on learners.
“Catch up plans will also be implemented to ensure that no learner is disadvantaged by the impact of the severe weather events,” said Maynier.
Maynier also thanked officials, educators, parents and emergency services for their assistance during the recent storms.
“Thank you to all the officials, school staff, parents and emergency services for your support!” he exclaimed.
In the meantime, as recovery efforts continue in the wake of the recent storms that battered large parts of the Western Cape, provincial leaders are set to visit some of the worst-affected areas next week.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and members of his Cabinet will undertake a series of oversight visits between Monday (25 May) and Thursday (28 May) to assess conditions on the ground and monitor recovery operations.
The programme will start in Malmesbury before moving through other affected regions and concluding in the Swellendam area.
The visits will focus on the progress made in restoring damaged infrastructure and essential services following the severe weather conditions earlier this month.
Winde and his delegation are also expected to meet with disaster management teams, municipal leaders, law enforcement agencies and volunteers involved in the emergency response.
