Schools Shut in Three Eastern Cape Districts Due to Weather Risk

The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) has announced the suspension of schooling in three districts for Wednesday, 3 June, and Thursday, 4 June 2026, due to severe weather conditions forecast for parts of the province.

The affected districts are Nelson Mandela Bay, Sarah Baartman and Buffalo City, which have been identified as areas expected to be severely impacted by a Level 8 weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service.

According to the department, urgent communication was sent to the affected districts instructing them to take precautionary measures aimed at preventing loss of life and ensuring the safety of learners, educators and officials.

Mid-Year Exams Affected

With many schools currently busy with mid-year examinations, Circuit Management Centres have been instructed to work with Subject Advisors to reschedule affected assessments where necessary. The department has also called for catch-up plans to be prepared to recover lost teaching and learning time.

The ECDoE said districts facing severe weather risks may experience flooding, infrastructure damage, dangerous road conditions and other weather-related hazards, making travel to schools unsafe.

Safety First

District Directors have been instructed to assess local conditions and prioritise the safety of learners and staff before allowing attendance at schools and offices. School principals in affected areas have also been urged to activate alternative communication channels to facilitate schoolwork during the suspension period.

Acting Head of Department Qaphela Luthuli said the decision was taken in response to warnings from the South African Weather Service.

“There is no schooling in these districts to ensure safety of all our learners,” Luthuli said. He added that districts would be informed of any further developments as the situation evolves.

The department confirmed that School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and labour organisations have been informed of the decision.

No School Closures Announced for Enoch Mgijima

At this stage, no school closures have been announced for the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality area. However, residents are being urged to monitor official weather updates and follow any safety advisories issued by authorities.