KZN education dept sends learners home early after warning of disruptive rains
The provincial department said the instruction was issued due to safety fears for learners and teachers.
An image of rainfall. Picture: Pexels
DURBAN - The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal has instructed schools to send learners home early on Wednesday, following a Level 5 warning of disruptive rains by the South African Weather Service.
This came as millions of learners returned to school in the morning to start the 2024 academic year.
The department said it made the decision in the interest of learner safety.
ALSO READ: Heavy rain in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga & KZN may lead to flooding, warns SAWS
KwaZulu-Natal has been battling inclement weather since December 2023, with at least 45 people killed and dozens of others left homeless.
Schools and businesses have also reported structural damage because of the weather.
"The head of the department at the KwaZulu-Natal Education Department has issued a circular for schools to close early today [Wednesday]. This is so our learners and teachers can be safe,” said spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi.