By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has announced the closure of all schools in the Overberg, Cape Winelands and Helderberg areas on Monday.
This decision follows a level 9 warning issued by the SA Weather Service for damaging winds and rain across the province.
“We don’t ever really want to close schools, but we need to remain cautious.”
“Independent schools and Education centres are also urged to follow the department’s lead. This was not an easy decision, as we always want our children in schools learning, but given the severity of the weather system and advice from authorities, schools in these regions will be closed on Monday,” he explained.
“Our message to residents and visitors to the province is that we know that there is severe weather already impacting us. We have mobilised all of our resources to be on standby to respond where needed and we appeal to you to not take unnecessary risks and listen to the instructions of law enforcement and traffic authorities,” Winde said.
Cape Town Major Geordin Hill-Lewis also confirmed this on X (formerly Twitter) said that the Western Cape Government would allow schools to be closed in the Helderberg district of the Cape metro tomorrow, 8 April 2024.
Hill-Lewis also said that residents should avoid all unnecessary travel given the weather conditions.
Meanwhile the Western Cape disaster management service head Colin Deiner said in the Cape Town metro roof sheetings were blown off the Somerset Mall; Chapman’s Peak was closed; and various fires were reported across the city.
In Stellenbosch, the Mediclinic was evacuated with three patients moved to other hospitals, there was a fire at Kayamandi township, and the 300-year old Blaauwklippen Manor House and Jonkershuis were gutted.
In Drakenstein, the Huguenot Tunnel was closed, Paarl Hospital reported minor damage due to the inclement weather with winds gusting at 120km/h-150km/h.
Deiner said the province’s emergency services wanted to focus on protecting human life and critical infrastructure and property and give humanitarian support to affected communities. Disaster management centres would be on 24-hour standby across the province.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a significant weather system, including a cut-off low, is approaching the Western Cape.
Regional Manager Rudzani Malala emphasised concerns for the Winelands and Overberg areas, stressing the expected intensity of the forthcoming rain.