Limpopo Education Department plans phased school reopening after floods
The Limpopo Department of Education announced a phased reopening of schools in areas affected by recent heavy floods, stressing that safety assessments must first be completed before learners return to classrooms.
In a statement, the department said educators reported for duty on Monday, 19 January 2026, with their primary responsibility being to assess flood-related damage to school infrastructure and plan for a safe reopening.
Members of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) have also been encouraged to participate in the assessments.
Learners are expected to return on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, but only in areas where it is safe to travel and where school environments have been declared secure.
The department emphasised that the directive applies strictly to areas with safe road access and structurally sound school facilities, warning that no school should reopen if conditions pose a risk to learners or staff.
Limpopo MEC for Education Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya said safety considerations remain paramount.
“Educators will report back to work on Monday, 19 January 2026, to assess the impact of the floods. SGB members are encouraged to join and assist to ensure the safe return of learners,” she said.
“Learners are due back on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. This directive applies in areas where it is safe for teachers to travel and report on Monday and for learners on Tuesday.”
The announcement forms part of broader efforts to restore normal schooling after floods disrupted learning in several communities across Limpopo.
Meanwhile, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has welcomed the classification of the recent floods, which affected Limpopo and other provinces, as a national disaster.
“This classification has come at the right time when the extent of the damage to our infrastructure is becoming visible to all and access to some areas is slowly opening,” said Ramathuba.
“We need all the assistance we can get to rebuild Limpopo after these devastating floods.”
The Premier explained that the classification will enable all spheres of government to strengthen support to disaster management structures and allow the National Executive to implement measures to deal effectively with the impact of the disaster.
Recent reports indicate that the floods have claimed 11 lives in Limpopo, underscoring the severe impact of the weather on communities and infrastructure.
The situation attracted national attention when President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood‑affected areas in Limpopo last week to assess the damage and oversee response efforts.
Saturday Star