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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, has noted with great concern the storm damage to some schools in the Western Cape.
 
The province has been battling severe weather conditions – including strong winds, rain and snow – in recent days, and the provincial education department closed schools for today as a level 8 weather warning was announced.
 
“I have noted the reports on damage to school infrastructure; some roof sheets have been blown off by strong gusts. It is very worrying as many schools in our poorer areas are already struggling to keep up with repairs and infrastructure maintenance. I urge the authorities to assess the damage as soon as possible and put measures in place at affected schools,” said Ms Maimela.
 
Ms Maimela also commended the provincial education department for closing schools in areas where the South African Weather Services had issued level 8 storm warnings. “I commend the authorities for the foresight to close schools. The safety of our learners, educators and the school community are extremely important. We urge the department to take accessibility into account when deciding to reopen schools as many areas are reportedly experiencing flood damage.”
 
The committee urged relief organisations and the private sector to step in to assist in affected communities. “The situations at the homes of some of our learners might have been greatly affected by the storm damage. We appeal to all to assist on that personal level at home as well,” Ms Maimela said.
 
Ms Maimela also appealed to educators and learners to ensure that they make up the learning time lost during this period as speedily as possible on their return to the classroom.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela