Several schools in the Eden and Central Karoo in the Western Cape will remain closed on Friday. The department to of education in the Western Cape announced on Thursday that due to damage to some schools learners will stay at home on Friday 8th May.

David Maynier, Western Cape minister of education (WCED), said as a result of storm damage and blocked access roads, 29 schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District will remain closed on Friday 8 May 2026.

All other schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District will reopen on Friday, 8 May 2026.

The affected schools will communicate with parents about the continued closure. Learner Transport Service routes at other schools may also be affected, and these schools will communicate with parents accordingly.

Maynier reiterated that the department’s default position is always to keep schools open and only close schools in exceptional circumstances.But, given the severity of the warnings and on the advice from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, “we closed schools in George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn and surrounds for two days,” the mister said.

Schools will now implement catch up plans to ensure that teaching and learning returns to normal, and the schoolwork missed over the two days is covered. Our system is well prepared for these events, and we will continue to monitor the weather conditions ahead.

He thanked   officials, principals, teachers and parents for the smooth implementation of the closure on such a large scale.

Schools that will remain closed on Friday, 8 May 2026

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Brakfontein EK PS 

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Diepkloof VGK PS 

KarataraLaerskool

Klipdrift EK PS 

Lancewood PS 

Redlands PS 

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Wittedrif PS 

WittedriftHoërskool

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De Jager VGK PS 

Gamka-Oos PS 

Grootkraal UCC PS 

Kruisrivier-Wes UCC PS 

Lategansvlei SSKV PS 

Rooiberg SSKV PS 

Volmoed PS

Voorbedag PS 

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Avontuur LB PS 

Britsevlakte NGK PS 

MooiUitsig PS No. 2 

Rooiheuwel VGK PS 

Rooirivier VGK PS 

Scheeperskraal SSKV PS 

Vlakteplaas UCC PS 

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Klaarstroom PS 

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Dieprivier VGK PS 

Geelhoutboom VGK PS 

Hoogekraal SSKV PS 

Kommandantsdrift SSKV PS