All Western Cape schools closed on Tuesday as severe storm worsens

Venecia Valentine

All schools across the Western Cape will be closed on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, as severe weather conditions continue battering the province.

Western Cape Education Department confirmed the province-wide closure following consultations with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service.

Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier said the decision was taken in the interests of learner and teacher safety following updated storm projections and worsening conditions.

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The closure includes:

• all public ordinary schools
• all special needs schools
• all districts across the province

Storm conditions force full Western Cape school shutdown

Maynier said authorities only close schools in exceptional circumstances, but current warnings left officials with little choice.

“Our default position is always to keep schools open,” he said.

“But we are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place.”

The province expects schools to reopen on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, if conditions improve.

Hundreds of schools already affected

As of 13:30 on Monday, 11 May 2026:

• 227 additional schools had already applied for closure
• several schools reported storm damage
• assessments were still ongoing

This comes after earlier closures in:

• Cape Winelands
• Eden
• Central Karoo districts

due to flooding, dangerous roads and severe weather impacts.

Severe weather continues across the Western Cape

The decision follows ongoing heavy rain, flooding and damaging winds affecting large parts of the province.

Authorities have warned of:

• flooded roads
• fallen trees
• power outages
• mudslides
• dangerous travel conditions

Residents are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel and monitor official weather updates closely.

Officials thank emergency responders

Maynier thanked:

• disaster management teams
• emergency services
• teachers
• parents
• school officials

for assisting during the severe weather crisis.

The WCED says conditions will continue being monitored closely before schools reopen later this week.

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