15/03/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
15 March 2026
*DEPARTMENT SUSPENDS SCHOOLING IN FLOOD AFFECTED PARTS OF LIMPOPO*.
The Limpopo Department of Education has as a precautionary measure, temporarily suspended schooling in several districts severely affected by persistent heavy rainfall and the risk of flash floods.
The Vhembe and Mopani districts remain the hardest hit, with many roads rendered impassable, effectively cutting off access to numerous schools. Compounding the situation, the Capricorn South and Waterberg districts have also reported incidents and structural concerns, which may further disrupt schooling if the heavy rains continue overnight.
To safeguard the lives of learners and educators, the department has taken a decisive step to suspend schooling for two days, Monday, 16 March, and Tuesday, 17 March in all affected areas.
The safety of learners and staff is a paramount concern. With reports of flooded roads and compromised building integrity, the suspension is a necessary measure to prevent any potential tragedies.
In addition to reported accessibility challenges, the department has received reports of leaking roofs and water damage in school buildings, which pose a direct safety risk. Furthermore, the department has noted with deep concern a spate of burglaries at schools during this disruptive period, with criminals targeting nutrition programme stockpiles and electronic equipment.
District offices have already communicated the suspension to all affected schools and circuit managers, who are in turn responsible for notifying parents and school governing bodies.
For clarity, parents and guardians seeking specific information on school status in their area should contact their school principals or the local circuit manager. Learners unable to sit for scheduled tests due to the flooding will be given an opportunity to write at a later date once normalcy is restored.
Parents are strongly urged not to allow or force learners to attempt crossin
