With storm approaching, most WC schools to close on Thursday

CAPE TOWN - Most schools in the Western Cape will be closed on Thursday, due to a severe cold front expected to make landfall. 

The provincial education department confirmed the special one-day closure on Wednesday afternoon. 

It said that all Metro South, Metro Central, Metro North and Metro East Education District schools would not open on Thursday.

All schools in the Cape Winelands and Overberg Districts would also be shut, while a long list of schools in the West Coast education district were also affected.

"We have taken this decision in the interests of learners' and teachers' safety and after extensive consultation with the provincial disaster risk management centre and the South African Weather Service."

However, Education MEC David Maynier added that some schools along the West Coast would open, along with schools in the Eden and Central Karoo districts.

"All other schools in the remaining districts will be open unless approval has been granted by the head of department for closure of specific schools. Our default position is always to keep schools open but we are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place and the damage already caused in certain areas."