Western Cape Education Department

Office of the Head of Education

Eduhead.Eduhead@westerncape.gov.za | 021 467 2536

File no.: 20240407-2937

To: Principals, Educators and school-based staff at public schools

(For information: Governing bodies)

Dear Colleagues

Closure of Western Cape schools in various districts ahead of severe weather warning

After extensive consultation with all role players, including Cabinet, and at the recommendation
of the Provincial Disaster Risk Management and South African Weather Service (SAWS), I have
taken the decision in the interests of learner and educator safety to close schools in certain districts
in the Western Cape tomorrow, 08 April 2024.

A level 9 weather warning has been issued by the SAWS for the southern parts of the Cape
Winelands and Overberg districts. An intense cut-off low pressure system is moving in over parts of
these regions, bringing intense downpours with it.

Strong winds have already pummelled various areas, fuelling fires – most of which have been
contained.

School closures will therefore take place in the following areas on 08 April 2024:
• All ordinary public and special schools in the Cape Winelands Education District.
• All schools in the Overberg Education District.
• All schools in the Helderberg region of the Metro East Education District (Macassar, Somerset
West, Strand, Gordons Bay, Lwandle and Sir Lowry's).

All learner transport in these areas will be suspended tomorrow, 08 April 2023.

It is recommended that all Early Childhood Development centres follow our lead. We will also
engage with independent school bodies.
1

All other schools in the various districts will remain open. Schools outside of the areas mentioned
above must follow the relevant procedures with regards to requests for school closure should they
feel the need to make such a request in terms of learner and educator safety.
wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za
1 Employment and salary enquiries: 0861 819 919 | Safe Schools: 0800 45 46 47
Western Cape Education Department
All schools are scheduled to reopen on 09 April 2024. Should we be advised of further risks in any
of the districts we will communicate continued closure, if necessary, by 13:00 tomorrow.

Our primary concern is the safety of learners and staff.

We are cognisant that this decision will disrupt school programmes tomorrow, but we will be
working with schools to ensure that the programme returns to normal and we request their
understanding and cooperation given the circumstances.

Principals must report any storm damage on CEMIS immediately as well as the reporting template
that will be made available to schools via the district. Please liaise with your circuit manager
immediately. We have already received reports of damage in some areas. Teams have been
dispatched to assist. Schools can also contact the Safe Schools helpline to report significant issues.

We appreciate the concern and cooperation of our principals and will work closely with schools
to deal with issues resulting from the storm.

We ask that you all keep safe and exercise caution where necessary, particularly when travelling.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Stay safe.

Kind regards

Leon Ely Digitally signed by

Leon Ely (53884302)

(53884302) Date: 2024.04.07

15:58:31 +02'00'
LEON ELY
ACTING HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2024-04-07

wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za
2 Employment and salary enquiries: 0861 819 919 | Safe Schools: 0800 45 46 47
Western Cape Education Department