GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday 3 June, and Thursday 4 June as a precautionary measure following severe weather warnings.

The decision was announced this afternoon by Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier, after consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, in response to forecasts of heavy rainfall affecting the region.

In a statement, Maynier said the closure was necessary in the interests of learner and teacher safety.

“In the interests of learner and teacher safety, and after consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, a decision has been taken to close schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, and Thursday, 4 June 2026,” the statement read.

All public ordinary and special needs schools in the two districts will be affected, and schools have been instructed to notify parents accordingly.

The Department of Education emphasised that while closures are not taken lightly, safety remains the priority during severe weather events. “Our default position is always to keep schools open and only close schools in exceptional circumstances, but we are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place,” Maynier said.

All other schools in the Western Cape will remain open unless individual closures are approved on a case-by-case basis.

The department confirmed that, unless further notice is issued, all schools are expected to reopen on Friday 5 June.

Officials added that the situation will continue to be monitored closely, and any additional closures will be communicated directly to affected school communities.

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