The Western Cape Department of Education says six schools remain closed in parts of the province because of damage caused by flooding and destructive winds in the recent storms. Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier, says 64 schools have reported significant infrastructure damage. The department says they are concerned about the financial implications of the damage. “The storm has, of course, been devastating. We currently have six schools that are closed – those schools are in the Eden and Central Karoo District. Thankfully, we have
managed to open all schools in the Cape Winelands District. It’s important to understand that those schools are not closed because they are damaged; they are closed because of accessibility – roads surrounding the schools have been washed away or are damaged, and that is affecting our ability to reopen the schools.” Maynier says his department is working with administrators in various districts and schools affected by the recent damaging storms to make up teaching days lost. Many schools have fallen behind due to closures
during the storms. Maynier says learners should not be disadvantaged. “The schools that have been closed in the Eden and Central Karoo District have lost about 13 days of learning. The schools that are closed in the Cape Winelands District have lost an average of about seven days of learning. Each school would look at a different solution, perhaps extra classes, online streaming classes, alternative venues or indeed, shifting learners perhaps to boarding houses. But we are working with our districts and with our schools
to ensure that the learners who are not at school are receiving catch-up programs.” Western Cape Weather | Several schools to remain closed: -Report by Tando Ntjuma
Western Cape, education, schools closed, storm damage, flooding, destructive winds, Eden, Central Karoo, Cape Winelands, David Maynier, catch-up programmes