Severe weather forces extended school closures across Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has extended the suspension of schooling in several parts of the province due to ongoing severe weather conditions. Classes in affected areas will now remain suspended until Friday, 8 May 2026.

According to the department, the decision follows updated weather alerts issued by the South African Weather Service, with more areas now impacted by disruptive weather systems across the province.

The department said areas initially expected to be affected by damaging waves included Sundays River Valley, Kou-Kamma, Kouga and Nelson Mandela Bay, but the affected regions have since expanded to include the Buffalo City education district.

Meanwhile, disruptive snowfall has also been reported in James Town, Elundini, Senqu and Walter Sisulu municipalities.

Eastern Cape Education Head of Department Sharon Maasdorp urged schools, parents and learners to prioritise safety during the dangerous weather conditions.

“Flagged high risk areas have been warned of these severe weather conditions to prioritise safety. We urge the school principals of affected districts to continue communicating this decision to all parents, and School Governing Bodies (SGBs). Please treat this warning with the utmost urgency,” Maasdorp said.

The department said it continues to monitor the situation closely and will communicate any further developments to schools and districts as conditions change. Catch-up plans are also expected to be implemented once weather conditions improve and schools reopen.

The latest announcement comes as parts of the Eastern Cape continue to battle heavy rain, flooding, icy temperatures and snowfall in high-lying areas, with multiple road warnings and disruptions already reported across the province this week.