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SEVEN pupils and a teacher are reported to have drowned during the floods in KwaZulu-Natal.
Provincial education department spokesperson Sihle Mlotshwa told the Sowetan that a teacher died in the Ugu district on the south coast, while five pupils were reported to have drowned in Pinetown.
Two pupils died in the Umzinyathi district.
Mlotshwa was quoted as saying that the department was still being updated on staff and pupils who were affected by the floods and urged parents to use their discretion during the inclement weather
The education department in the province has also moved to close all schools in the province.
The temporary closure of these schools will be until 19 April 2022.
The department said, “The strong flooding has caused a huge disruption and it continues to impact negatively on teaching and learning at schools, while it remains a threat to the lives of pupils as well as teachers.”
They added, “The terrain and level of water has made it extremely difficult for teachers and pupils to reach the schools”.
It was reported that more than 140 schools were affected by flooding.
The department explained that in some areas it is extremely dangerous to access schools as pupils and teachers are forced to cross high levels of water.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala said that weather has affected the delivery of education as learners had to stay at home due to damage sustained by schools.
“In particular, 40 learners and 12 educators from Tholulwazi High in Molweni were trapped at school because the bridge they use to cross the river collapsed and the road was washed away by floods. The Grade 12 learners and educators teaching Grade 12 had remained behind for extra tuition on this day,” said Zikalala.