Relentless rain across parts of Limpopo has forced the provincial education department to suspend schooling in two of the province’s hardest-hit districts, as flooded roads and damaged school buildings raise safety concerns for thousands of learners and teachers. The Limpopo Department of Education announced that schools in Vhembe and Mopani districts will remain closed for two days, Monday 16 March and Tuesday 17 March, after heavy rainfall made access to many schools dangerous.

The department said the decision was taken as a precaution after persistent rain flooded roads used by learners, educators and scholar transport. In some areas, schools have effectively been cut off. Officials have also received reports of leaking roofs and water damage inside school buildings, raising concerns about the structural safety of classrooms.

“The wet conditions inside classrooms and compromised infrastructure could pose a serious risk if schooling continues during this period,” the department said.

The disruption comes as parts of Limpopo continue to experience heavy rainfall following severe weather earlier this year. The Vhembe and Mopani regions have been among the hardest affected, with several roads becoming impassable. Authorities have also reported incidents and infrastructure concerns in Capricorn and Waterberg districts, which could lead to further disruption if the rains persist.

Beyond weather damage, the department says it is also dealing with a wave of burglaries at schools during the disruption. Criminals have reportedly targeted food supplies intended for the National School Nutrition Programme, as well as electronic equipment. District offices have already communicated the temporary suspension to school principals and circuit managers, who are responsible for notifying parents and school governing bodies.

Parents seeking clarity about the status of their schools have been advised to contact school principals or local circuit offices. The department has also issued a strong warning to parents not to allow learners to attempt crossing flooded rivers or bridges to reach school.

“As the Limpopo Department of Education, we have taken a precautionary decision to suspend schooling for forty-eight hours in the affected districts to safeguard the lives of learners and educators,” said department spokesperson Mike Maringa.

“Many learners and teachers would have to travel on flooded or inaccessible routes, and we have also received reports of leaking roofs and wet walls in some school buildings which may pose serious danger.”

Maringa urged parents not to force learners to attend school during the closure period, particularly for tests or examinations.

“We are calling on parents not to force learners to go to school to sit for tests or examinations during this period. Learners will be given an opportunity to write at a later stage once conditions have improved,” he said.

The department said it is monitoring the situation closely with municipalities and disaster management teams and will issue further updates as weather conditions evolve.