Eden and Central Karoo schools close as heavy rain lashes region

David Maynier has confirmed the temporary closure of schools across the Eden and Central Karoo Education Districts as severe weather conditions continue to intensify across parts of the Western Cape.

The closures will affect schools on:

• Wednesday, 3 June 2026
• Thursday, 4 June 2026

The decision follows escalating heavy rainfall warnings linked to the powerful cut-off low weather system currently impacting the province.

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Which schools are affected?

According to the Western Cape Education Department, all:

• Public ordinary schools
• Special needs schools

within the Eden and Central Karoo Education Districts will remain closed during the two-day period.

Affected schools have already received official communication from the Head of Department and have been instructed to notify parents directly.

Safety concerns behind the closure

Maynier said the decision was taken following consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre due to growing concerns around:

• Heavy rainfall
• Flooding risks
• Dangerous road conditions
• Learner safety
• Teacher safety

“Our default position is always to keep schools open and only close schools in exceptional circumstances, but we are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place,” Maynier said.

Other Western Cape schools remain open

At this stage, schools outside the affected districts are expected to remain operational unless specific approval for closure has been granted.

The Western Cape Education Department said closures elsewhere would be assessed individually depending on local conditions and weather-related risks.

Schools expected to reopen on Friday

The department currently expects schools to reopen on Friday, 5 June 2026, provided conditions improve.

However, officials say the situation remains under constant review and further closures remain possible if weather conditions worsen.

“If any further individual school closures are necessary after Thursday, communication will be sent to parents of affected schools directly,” Maynier added.

Severe weather warnings remain active

The school closures come amid widespread severe weather alerts issued by the South African Weather Service.

Current warnings include:

• Orange Level 8 disruptive rain warnings
• Flooding risks
• Mudslides
• Damaging coastal winds
• Snowfall in high-lying areas

Parts of the Garden Route and surrounding regions are expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall over the coming days.

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