Floods have damaged at least 249 Western Cape schools in South Africa as a result of the heavy rainfall in the region. 

Out of the 249 affected schools, 150 reported the destruction of schools’ infrastructure such as roofs.

Additionally, 39 schools were closed on September 26, and 21 more schools were closed on Wednesday, September 27 due to impassable roads due to the heavy downpour.

Other schools recorded low attendance as most learners were unable to reach schools as a result of floods.  

The floods also affected power lines, resulting in power outages that affected schools and other social amenities in the country.

For instance, Education MEC David Maynier who visited  Franschhoek High School on September 27, noted that the school had been closed for three days due to lack of electricity and water. 

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“Education Ministry officials are working with schools’ management to ensure that all can reopen as soon as possible, and we encourage parents to keep in contact with their school for updates regarding closures,” he said.

Maynier explained that schools should come up with mechanisms to ensure learners cover up for the time lost when schools were closed due to flooding.

At the same time, the Federation of School Governing Bodies (Fedsas) CEO Jaco Deacon said that there were mechanisms put in place to deal with the disaster but unfortunately, the floods were overwhelming.

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He also allayed fears of learners failing to complete their syllabus on time, adding that most schools had completed their syllabus for this term and were finalizing to close schools next week. 

However, teachers who spoke to News24 said matric pupils who are writing their preliminary exams could be affected in some schools.

However, Deacon has assured parents that the government will assess the damages and facilitate repairs of schools during the holidays.