Schools closed in parts of Eastern Cape as severe weather warning issued

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has warned schools across the province to prepare for severe weather conditions, with some areas already instructed to suspend schooling as a precaution.

In a media statement issued on 5 May 2026, the department confirmed that a memorandum had been sent to all nine education districts, alerting them to forecasts of disruptive snowfall and damaging coastal conditions.

According to the department, the South African Weather Service has predicted Level 5 disruptive snow in parts of the province, along with Level 6 damaging waves along the coast. These conditions are expected to begin from 6 May 2026 and continue for several days.

Areas affected by closures

The department confirmed that schooling has been suspended in several coastal municipalities due to the severity of the expected conditions.

These include:

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
• Kouga Municipality
• Kou-kamma Municipality
• Sundays River Valley

The decision was taken as a safety measure following the weather warning, with officials emphasising the potential risks to learners and staff.

Snow expected in inland areas

Inland regions are also expected to be impacted, particularly by snowfall. Areas identified include:

• Jamestown
• Elundini
• Senqu
• Walter Sisulu

While no blanket closure was announced for these areas at the time of the statement, schools have been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions.

Safety measures urged

Head of Department Sharon Maasdorp urged school management teams, parents, educators and learners to take the warning seriously and prioritise safety.

The department has also indicated that it will continue monitoring the situation closely, with updates expected if conditions worsen or further disruptions become necessary.

School governing bodies and labour organisations have already been informed of the developments.

Weather expected to persist

The severe weather conditions are expected to last until at least 9 May 2026, raising concerns about travel safety, school access, and potential disruptions to learning in affected areas.

Residents, particularly in high-risk areas, are being urged to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated through official communication channels.