Heavy rain cuts short first day at KZN schools

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Severe weather warnings from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) have forced the early closure of schools in KwaZulu-Natal. This was just hours after schools re-opened for the first day of the 2024 academic year.

The South African Weather Service has issued a level 5 warning for the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as parts of Zululand.

Consistent and heavy rains dampened the spirits of learners and teachers in KZN. Several schools, especially in the province’s Midlands area, were already battling infrastructure damage following earlier floods.

Local education authorities say at least 59 schools were damaged.

“The head of education in KZN has issued a circular to all the schools to close early today due to weather warnings that we have received from SAWS. This, he directs so that all teachers and learners could be safe,” says Provincial Education Department spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi.

However, early on Wednesday morning and prior to the decision to close schools, learners and parents braved the rainy conditions, many still battling to secure placements for their children.

“Last year we got results and the principal told me to bring the latest results so that my child could repeat grade 10. When I came back this week, the principal says he can’t accept him because he failed. I went to Zwelethu High School and they said they can’t talk to me because I don’t have a remove, so that is why I am here to ask for inspectors to give me a school,” says parent Sindi Manzini.

“I started last year to apply for a school but the nearest school which is Zwelihle is full. I don’t know where to go as I am staying at Malukazi. Parents have no choice; they have to get spaces from Zwelihle and Gagasini. If these two schools are full, where are we going to get spaces?  I am here at the circuit office to present my case to education officials because we can’t stay home with children,” says another parent Zama Dladla.

At Escort in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Grade 8 learners at Njeza High School were in high spirits, happy to be reunited with their friends.

“I am happy to meet new people, I have made new friends and met new teachers,” says one of the learners.

Another learner says, “I was scared but when I arrived here, I became excited after meeting new friends, we have been introduced to other learners.”

In Umlazi, parents Sinethemba Ntuli and Nonhle Nxasana were excited to see their children off to school on their first day in Grade R.

“I am happy as she has been waking up so that we won’t be late for school. I wish her all the best and we have to make sure that they get better education and be what they want to be in life. They must work hard for their future,” says Ntuli.

“My child was in Gauteng and I am happy he is in Durban and I think she will be the excellent learner,” says Nxasana.

HOD at the KwaZulu-Natal Education Department  Nkosinathi Ngcobo is encouraging school principals to use their judgment based on local conditions, on when it would be safe for learners to return to school.