Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has urged parents, guardians and learners to keep pupils in class during the cold weather expected across the province on 11 August 2026, emphasising that cold conditions alone should not interrupt teaching and learning.
Attend school unless illness or official advice says otherwise
The provincial education department said weather forecasts point to some of the coldest conditions across Johannesburg and surrounding areas, including Soweto, Roodepoort and Randburg, as well as other parts of the West Rand. Cold weather was also expected in Ekurhuleni and Tshwane, with parts of Sedibeng and the Vaal likely to be cool to cold.
Rain, cloud cover and wind could make temperatures feel significantly colder in these areas, the department said, and it will continue to monitor information from the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
“Learners should wear school jerseys, jackets and other appropriate warm clothing to protect themselves against the cold,” the MEC said.
Maile encouraged parents to ensure that children are dressed warmly before leaving home and to travel safely. He said learners who are healthy and not sick should attend school as normal unless the department or relevant authorities officially communicate otherwise.
Practical measures and school responsibilities
The MEC asked school communities to keep an eye on official weather updates and for schools to exercise reasonable consideration when learners need additional warm clothing because of the weather. He added that the department’s priority remains to keep learners safe, warm and in class.
Key guidance issued by the department includes:
- Dress warmly: wear school jerseys, jackets and other suitable layers.
- Monitor official updates: pay attention to SAWS forecasts and department notices.
- Attend if well: learners who are not sick are encouraged to come to school unless advised otherwise.
- School discretion: schools should reasonably accommodate learners who need extra warm clothing.
These measures aim to preserve teaching time. Maile stressed that cold weather by itself should not be a reason to keep learners at home: “Cold weather on its own should not keep our children away from school. As long as learners are not sick and it is safe for them to travel, we encourage them to dress warmly and attend school.”
Where conditions are expected
The department named specific areas where the coldest conditions were forecast. The table below summarises locations mentioned in the department’s advisory.
| Area | Expected condition |
|---|---|
| Johannesburg and surrounds (including Soweto, Roodepoort, Randburg) | Some of the coldest conditions in the province |
| Ekurhuleni | Cold conditions expected |
| Tshwane | Cold conditions expected |
| Sedibeng and the Vaal | Cool to cold conditions expected |
Parents and schools in affected areas were reminded that rain and wind can increase the feeling of cold, which may affect learners during their commute and at school. The department said it will continue to monitor SAWS updates and to communicate further guidance if conditions change.
Context and classroom impact
Keeping learners at the centre, the MEC’s appeal foregrounds the tension between safeguarding children’s health and preserving every day of teaching. Missing classes because of avoidable absences reduces teaching time for large cohorts, particularly in urban districts where many learners rely on school hours for structured learning and school-provided meals.
Schools will need to balance compassion and common sense: allowing extra layers, monitoring for signs of illness, and helping families who may struggle to provide warm clothing. Where travel becomes unsafe or authorities advise closures, the department indicated it will communicate such decisions formally.
For now, the department’s message is clear: prepare for cold, prioritise safety and warmth, but keep learners in class where possible so that teaching and learning continue uninterrupted.
