Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By REGINALD KANYANE
29 April 2026 – The North West Department of Education urges all parents and guardians across the province to ensure that learners are safe to travel to school during the torrential rains currently impacting various areas in the province. The department said this request follows multiple videos shared on social media platforms showing flooded roads and hazardous conditions that may endanger the lives of learners while travelling or commuting to and from school.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi firmly cautions parents against taking risks by sending learners to go to school when heavy rains are ongoing in their respective areas. Motsumi said the safety of the learners remains their highest priority.
“Parents must avoid risky situations by taking precautions when roads are flooded, bridges are unsafe or weather conditions pose a danger to children travelling to school. Parents are urged to keep learners at home if they see that it is not safe for them to go to school.
“The department has arranged with schools to implement catch-up programmes for learners who have missed lessons due to the heavy rains,” she said.
Motsumi further pleaded with parents to stay vigilant, keep a close watch on weather conditions and work closely with schools to prevent avoidable tragedies during this period of severe weather. She added that parents should maintain active contact with schools, especially during these adverse weather conditions to ensure access and to prioritise the safety of learners above attendance during dangerous conditions.
“The department will continue to oversee the situation and provide necessary support to affected schools,” said Motsumi.
The Guardian 