<h1><br></h1><p>Reports on Tuesday, August 11, indicated that extreme weather had disrupted schools, transport and electricity supplies in parts of the country. The South African Weather Service has warned of a cold front bringing heavy rain and snowfall to southern parts of South Africa, with some areas experiencing particularly difficult conditions.</p><p>The closures, however, are not part of a nationwide decision to shut down schools. Rather, they are largely precautionary measures taken in areas where weather conditions pose risks to learners, teachers and school staff.</p><p>In Gauteng, despite bitterly cold conditions, provincial education authorities have indicated that schools should remain open. Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile said learners and educators who are able to reach their schools safely should continue attending, while cautioning communities to take the weather conditions seriously.</p><p>The latest developments follow several weather-related school closures recorded in South Africa earlier this year. In the Western Cape, for example, authorities previously ordered temporary closures in parts of the Eden and Central Karoo districts because of severe weather and concerns over learner safety.</p><p>South Africa has also experienced significant disruptions from snow and extreme cold in recent weeks, with snowfall reported in parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.</p><p>Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are expected to make decisions on school operations according to local weather and safety conditions.</p><p>Parents and learners have therefore been urged to follow announcements from provincial education departments and schools rather than rely on unverified social media reports.</p><p><br></p>