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Floods in the Western Cape.
Mop-up operations are underway at Stellenbosch University after heavy weekend rains caused localised flooding across parts of the campus.
The university’s main library remains closed, with damage reported to the infrastructure and books.
The Western Cape was battered by heavy rains and strong winds on Sunday, as a second cold front made landfall.
The South African Weather Service had issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rain.
The Western Cape’s first major autumn storm system swept through from Friday, leaving a trail of flooding and damage.
At Stellenbosch University, the impact was immediate.
The harsh weather disrupted operations on campus.
“I have my umbrella to keep me dry… but if it gets worse, I’ve got my goggles,”
Water pushed into key facilities, including residences, the student centre, and the university’s central library.
Stellenbosch University Registrar Ronel Retief says, “The University’s library, some residences, as well as the lower floor of the student centre, saw flooding. Our volunteers worked through the night to ensure the university could reopen today. The library has damage to the front door and some books, but the residences are now open.”
Beyond campus, the storm’s impact spread across the town, with fallen trees, flooded roads and property damage reported.
“I had a branch fall on my car,” says one resident. Another one adds, “I left my window open, and my room flooded.”
But even as clean-up continues, some students turned the chaos into content, with videos of floodwater stunts circulating online.
Retief adds, “There have been some viral videos of students making the most of the weather.”
“A student tied a boogie board to a Hilux… others stood outside asking cars to spray them as they drove past.”
Authorities say teams remain on the ground as wet conditions persist.
