Western Cape closes schools due to severe weather warning

Dark thunder clouds during a stormy day.

The Western Cape Education Department has closed all schools in the Eden and Central Karoo District for the next two days, due to an approaching storm.

The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 8 weather warning for the area.

Heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms are expected from Wednesday in George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Oudtshoorn.

Western Cape Minister of Education, David Maynier, says his department was prompted to act in the interest of learner and teacher safety after consultations with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre.

“All other schools in the Western Cape will be open unless approval has been granted for closure, which will be done on a case-by-case basis. 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. All schools are expected to open on Friday, 5 June 2026.”

Media Release: Orange Level 8 Warning for Southern Parts of Eastern and Western Cape Tomorrow pic.twitter.com/QyVNvbj6uQ

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) June 2, 2026