The Limpopo Department of Education has confirmed that schools in the Vhembe and Mopani districts will not reopen this week due to severe weather conditions that have caused widespread flooding.
In a statement on Tuesday, the department said the decision follows persistent heavy rainfall and a level 9 weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for Wednesday, the day schools were scheduled to reopen.
“The Limpopo Department of Education has noted the harsh and severe weather conditions that have caused flooding in some parts of Vhembe and Mopani districts,” departmental spokesperson Mike Maringa said.
He said parents, guardians and teachers in the affected districts have been advised not to reopen schools this week as a safety precaution.
“The department wishes to inform parents, guardians and teachers in the affected two districts to take caution and not re-open schools this week,” Maringa said.
Meanwhile, Maringa said the temporary closure is aimed at ensuring the safety of learners and educators.
“The department will monitor the affected areas with the assistance of municipal disaster management teams and will provide daily updates,” he said.
He added that recent flooding has disrupted food delivery to schools and is likely to affect scholar transport, particularly for learners who travel long distances.
“Most schools in the affected areas of Vhembe and Mopani are inaccessible to both teachers and learners,” Maringa said.
“The severe weather conditions also pose a serious threat to learners, especially those in early grades. All other schools that are not affected will resume as planned.”
The Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu, has also called for heightened vigilance amid the level 9 warning.
Makamu said the inclement weather is expected to bring heavy downpours, leading to widespread flooding of roads and informal settlements, making driving hazardous and disrupting transport.
Areas expected to be affected include Ba-Phalaborwa, Collins Chabane and Greater Giyani.
“According to the level 9 warning issued by the South African Weather Service, persistent rainfall due to tropical moisture is expected to continue over the eastern Lowveld of Limpopo and Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga,” Makamu said.
He urged residents to remain indoors, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams, and stay away from dangerous areas.
“The warning indicates possible widespread flooding of roads and settlements, displacement of communities, damage to property and infrastructure, loss of livelihoods and livestock, and severe disruption of transport routes and essential services such as water, electricity and access to schools,” he said.
Makamu also appealed to parents to ensure children do not swim in rivers or streams, warning that they could be swept away by strong currents.
The Department of Education said it will announce when it is safe for schools in the affected districts to reopen.
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