29 schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District will remain closed on Friday, 8 May 2026

7 May 2026 – Statement by Minister David Maynier, Minister of Education Western Cape

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. (See list below)

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.

Our 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.

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.

Thank you to the officials, principals, teachers and parents for the smooth implementation of the closure on such a large scale. 

And thank you to the first responders, emergency services and disaster management officials who have supported our department and our schools in these challenging circumstances. 

Your support makes a real difference in ensuring that teaching and learning can return to normal in the Western Cape!