The North West Department of Education, working in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Team, is closely monitoring the impact of heavy flooding in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

1. Road Infrastructure
The road between Reivilo and Taung is currently closed to traffic. The Taung to Vryburg road was temporarily closed but remains under continuous assessment. While alternative routes are being used, motorists and scholar transport operators are advised that distances are longer and road conditions remain hazardous.

2. Learners at Incubation Camps
A number of learners attending weekend/incubation camps in Taung are currently unable to return home due to the flooding. The Department confirms that all learners are safe and are being accommodated at host schools. The camps will be extended until such time as water levels have subsided and all roads are declared safe for travel.

3. School Attendance
Due to damaged bridges in several villages, many learners will be unable to travel between home and school. The Department anticipates low learner attendance across the majority of schools in the district on Monday, 05 May 2026.

4. Risk Management Measures
– Principals have been instructed not to compel learners or staff to travel under risky conditions. No learner should attempt to cross flooded roads or damaged bridges.
– Schools are to activate recovery plans to make up for lost teaching and learning time once it is safe to resume.
– The District Office will support schools with catch-up programmes.

The Department appeals to parents and guardians to keep children at home if travel is unsafe and to remain in contact with their school principals for updates.

The safety and wellbeing of learners and staff remain the Department’s highest priority. Further updates will be communicated through official school and SGB channels.