KUGOMPO CITY - The Eastern Cape Department of Education has confirmed the suspension of classes for Friday.
The closure of schools is a result of the recent weather alerts that have been issued by the weather service, forecasting prolonged rainfall.
"The initially predicted areas to be most affected by the damaging waves include the Sundays River Valley, Kou- Kamma, Kouga and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, but have since increased to include the Buffalo City education district.
"James Town, Elundini, Senqu, and Walter Sisulu Municipalities have been affected by the Disruptive Snow," said the Head of Department, Sharon Massdorp.
Massdorp directed school principals to communicate this information to parents.
"The department is monitoring the situation, and districts and schools will be kept informed should there be any developments. As part of the operational contingency measures, all districts are required to develop catch-up plans that will be implemented immediately after this inclement weather.
"The department has informed the SGB and Labour organisations of these developments," she said.
Extreme weather conditions have severely impacted road conditions in the Eastern Cape and North West provinces.
According to Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson Simon Zwane, multiple roads remain closed across the Overberg, Garden Route & Central Karoo due to flooding. Huisrivier Pass & Prince Albert–Klaarstroom have since reopened.
Severe weather conditions are expected to continue in the Garden Route and the surrounding areas today after heavy winds, rain, and flooding occurred.