Cold snap hits parts of Germiston — schools urged to take precautions
Reports of sleet mixed with snow came from parts of Germiston on 11 August, with residents in Lambton and Bedfordview saying cold, wet and windy conditions swept across the area. The Gauteng Department of Education has moved to remind parents, guardians and school staff to prioritise learners’ safety and warmth as temperatures fall across the province.
Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Lebogang Maile warned that some of the coldest conditions were expected across Johannesburg and surrounding areas, with cold conditions also expected across Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. Parts of Sedibeng and the Vaal can expect cool to cold weather as well, the department said. Rain, extensive cloud cover and wind could make conditions feel considerably colder in affected areas.
“We appeal to parents and guardians, particularly in areas expected to experience the coldest conditions, to make sure that our children are properly dressed and kept warm.”
Department guidance and what parents should do
The education department advised that children wear school jerseys, jackets and additional warm clothing where necessary, and said schools should exercise reasonable consideration where learners require extra garments because of the weather. Officials emphasised that the priority is to keep learners safe, warm and in the classroom.
- Ensure learners leave home with warm school jerseys, jackets or coats.
- Schools should permit additional warm clothing where justified by weather conditions.
- Follow updates and warnings from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the official source of forecasts and advisories.
The department stressed that, despite the cold, teaching and learning should not be unnecessarily disrupted. Learners who are healthy and able to travel safely were encouraged to attend school as normal unless the department or school issues specific instructions to the contrary.
Local impact and community response
Residents in Lambton and Bedfordview reported seeing sleet mixed with snow during the morning. While sporadic snowfall at low levels in Gauteng is rare, it can occur during strong cold fronts and bring sudden disruption for motorists and pedestrians unprepared for icy surfaces or reduced visibility.
Community members urged caution on social media, sharing photographs and advising neighbours to check on elderly family members and children. Local schools and principals in the affected suburbs were contacted by parents seeking guidance on dress codes and travel safety for learners.
| Area | Reported conditions |
|---|---|
| Lambton | Sleet mixed with snow |
| Bedfordview | Sleet mixed with snow |
| Johannesburg & surrounds | Some of the coldest conditions expected |
| Ekurhuleni, Tshwane | Cold conditions expected |
| Sedibeng & Vaal | Cool to cold conditions expected |
Officials reminded the public that the South African Weather Service (SAWS) is the authoritative source for forecasts, warnings and advisories, and that the Gauteng Department of Education continues to monitor SAWS updates to inform decision-making by schools and parents.
For now, the message is pragmatic: wrap up warm, keep an eye on official weather bulletins, and only miss school if travel is unsafe or schools issue direct instructions to close or alter hours. In Germiston’s suburbs, ordinary preparation — warm clothing, sensible travel plans and checking on vulnerable neighbours — will be the best defence against a cold spell that felt sudden but can be managed with a bit of planning.
