A total of 21 schools affected by the Western Cape storms have been forced to close due to infrastructure and road damages blocking access to schools’ premises. The storm, which occurred over the weekend from 23 September (Saturday) and spanned until 25 September (Monday), brought heavy rain and wind to the province.
School Infrastructure Was Harshly Affected By The Storm
Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier, stated that 249 schools in the province were affected by the storm over the weekend.
Infrastructure damages were reported by 150 schools out of the 249, ranging from minor leaks to major roof damage, and we are working to assess these damages at present. Thirty-nine schools were closed on Tuesday, and this was reduced to 21 schools on Wednesday, with the vast majority as a result of access roads to school being blocked.
Infrastructure damages were reported by 150 schools out of the 249, ranging from minor leaks to major roof damage, and we are working to assess these damages at present.
The storm has since settled, but substantial flooding and damage to a few school's water and electricity supply still need to be dealt with before their doors can properly re-open, said Maynier during a media briefing after visiting Franschhoek High School on the morning of Wednesday, 27 September 2023.
Poor School Infrastructure Was Already An Urgent Issue Before The Storm
Inadequate school infrastructure is a seemingly never-ending problem faced by South Africa's education system. Although some adjustments have been made to find solutions, the issue is persistent, with backlogs and delays further prohibiting a solution.
With an overall budget allocation of R31.8 billion for the 2023/24 financial year, which marks a 7% increase compared to the previous fiscal year, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) previously emphasised the need to improve school infrastructure nationwide.
In addition to this, the Department of Basic Education has developed a ten-point infrastructure plan to accelerate the rollout of proper school infrastructure, which has also been adopted by the Council of Education MECs.
Through the ten-point infrastructure plan, the Department aims to fast-track the delivery of its school infrastructure programme by providing oversight and support to provinces through quarterly reporting on schools’ furniture needs and deliveries.
The DBE has historically come under scathing criticism from stakeholders in the sector over the pace at which it addresses school infrastructure issues, particularly when it comes to the eradication of pit toilets in schools throughout the country.
Many Schools Have Reopened After The Storm, But Not All Learners Were In Attendance
While other schools are open and operating, Maynier said many schools have reported low attendance as learners struggle to reach schools in flood-damaged areas.
According to the MEC, on Tuesday, 30.1% of learners were not able to attend school, and 31.4% on Wednesday.
The officials are working with schools to ensure that all schools can reopen as soon as possible, and we encourage parents to keep in contact with their schools for updates regarding closures.
Maynier says that, in the coming days, they will assess the damage and put plans in place to make repairs.
Our immediate concern is to ensure we get as many schools open as possible this week.
How Lost Learning Time Will Be Restored
Maynier said:
The schools will implement catch-up plans to ensure that learners do not fall behind as a result of the school days lost this week. Schools close for the spring holidays this Friday, which will provide some breathing room for repairs and restoration of access.
"Our schools will implement catch-up plans to ensure that learners do not fall behind as a result of the school days lost this week. Schools close for the spring holidays this Friday, 29 September 2023, which will provide some breathing room for repairs and restoration of access."
The MEC also expressed his deepest condolences to the families of three learners who passed away over the long weekend due to the storm, adding that counselling support has been provided to families and students who have lost lives.
We thank the emergency services, our government and NGO partners, and our schools for the assistance they are rendering to our teachers, learners, and parents as we recover from this devastating storm.
