Schools reopen as W Cape recovers from storms

Schools in George, Knysna and Oudtshoorn will also re-open on Friday, except for 29 that face storm-related challenges.

Acting Western Cape Premier, Ivan Meyer, will meet with officials at the joint operations Centre in George, on Friday, to get an assessment of storm damage in the Garden Route and Little Karoo.

Storms battered the area this week, bringing destruction to municipal infrastructure and homes. Farmers have also reported losses of livestock from the widespread flooding.

SEVERE WEATHER | Authorities remain on high alert amid a Level 8 storm affecting the Garden Route and Little Karoo. Colin Deiner, Head of Western Cape Disaster Management, discusses the extent of the impact in the Western Cape. pic.twitter.com/IjiBkzXpiM

— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 6, 2026

One person was killed when a tree fell on her vehicle. The storm has now been downgraded. Schools in George, Knysna and Oudtshoorn will also re-open on Friday, except for 29 that face storm-related challenges.

About 89 000 children at 125 schools were affected by the school closures, on Wednesday and Thursday.

WATCH | Western Cape authorities are closely monitoring rivers and dams in the Garden Route and Central Karoo after weather warnings for the region were downgraded. SABC News reporter Tanya Krause reports. pic.twitter.com/rAFmVH9Jt5

— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 7, 2026