By REGINALD KANYANE
20 February 2025- The North West Department of Education urges parents and scholar transport operators to exercise caution, while transporting learners to schools given the increased rainfall in certain areas of the province.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the department calls on all learners and teachers in the province to refrain from traveling near rivers and dams, as such activities pose a significant risk to personal safety. Motsumi said in addition, they implore school transport drivers to adhere to safe driving speeds during adverse weather conditions.
“We recommend that parents refrain from taking their children to school in such severe weather. During these conditions, we encourage children to avoid playing in running water or near pools, as these activities can heighten risks to their safety.
“Furthermore, we advise parents to regularly monitor weather updates to ensure the well-being of their families,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said the torrential rains are continuing in all parts of the province and have resulted in floods in most areas, especially in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts. Molapisi said in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, the most affected areas are in Mahikeng, Ramotshere Moiloa, Ditsobotla and Ratlou Local Municipalities.
“Reported incidents included motorists who have been stuck due to flooded roads. Some roads were closed and motorists were redirected to trafficable roads.
“Other roads which were reported to have flooded in the province included N18 outside Mahikeng towards Setlagole, N12 near Stilfontein, R30 between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp, R503 at Hartbeesfontein, N4 near Dinokana, N14 between Sannieshof and Delareyville and on towards Vryburg, R52 between Koster and Lichtenburg,” he said.
Molapisi further said this includes N14 near Coligny, R509 between Koster and Magaliesberg, R30 between Derby and Ventersdorp and R52 between Koster and Rustenburg. He added that they appeal to motorists to exercise caution when travelling on these and other roads as flooding may continue.
“Some houses, mainly mud houses, have been affected and damaged in some areas in the province. Municipalities continue to conduct impact and needs assessments to determine the extent of damages and establish the kind of assistance that would be needed.
“Where there is a need, temporary structures will be provided and affected families will be given social relief packages such as food parcels, blankets and mattresses,” Molapisi said.
He said In Bojanala Platinum District, flooded roads were also reported in Moses Kotane Local Municipality. Molapisi said in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, some roads are also flooded and some mud houses are affected in Tigane Township.
“The Department of CoGTA, through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, continues to work with all relevant stakeholders including municipalities to coordinate social relief intervention for affected houses.
“Our disaster management teams remain on high alert as heavy rains persist,” he said.
North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre Contacts: 018 388 3888 or 0800 018 000.
District Disaster Management Centre contacts:
Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati
Herman Bezuidenhout
053 927 3235
082 559 3600
Dr Kenneth Kaunda District
Kabelo Molao
014 592 6321
014 592 4495
073 963 2980
Ngaka Modiri Molema District
Masite Lesenyego
080 006 6636
083 282 0640
Dr Kenneth Kaunda District
Richard Lesar
079 528 8587
The Guardian 