Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape — Authorities have ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and sections of the Sarah Baartman District as severe weather conditions threaten the region with dangerous flooding.
The decision follows a Level 5 warning for disruptive rainfall issued by the South African Weather Service, which was subsequently escalated to Level 8. Forecasters predict approximately 200mm of rain could fall across the metro area between today and tomorrow, prompting urgent precautionary measures.
Shadrack Sibiya, Executive Director of Safety and Security for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, confirmed that emergency protocols have been activated. A Joint Operations Centre was convened at 07:00 this morning, with all municipal staff and response teams placed on standby. “We are on high alert,” Sibiya said. “Our priority is to save lives, and we have mobilised all resources to respond to any eventualities.”
The Department of Education announced that school closures would be reassessed tomorrow based on evolving conditions. Officials acknowledged the disruption poses particular challenges for learners currently writing end-of-year examinations.
The current weather system bears resemblance to severe rains that struck the region in May 2026, causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and road networks. Municipal crews have since been engaged in restoring water and electricity services, clearing stormwater drains, and repairing potholes. Sibiya expressed cautious concern that the incoming rainfall could compromise these recovery efforts. “I would be lying if I said we are not concerned,” he noted. “However, we are ready. While repairs continue, all officials are operating in high-alert mode.”
Residents, particularly those in low-lying settlements such as Mission Vale and KwaZakhele—areas heavily impacted during the May floods—are urged to remain vigilant. Motorists have been specifically advised to avoid unnecessary travel, as many road hazards remain unrepaired and visibility may be severely reduced.
“We do not want to experience any loss of life like we did last time,” Sibiya emphasized. “Preventing harm to our communities is our foremost objective.”
The municipality has strengthened coordination between internal communication units and external partners to ensure timely dissemination of safety updates. Authorities continue to monitor weather developments closely and will provide further guidance regarding school reopenings and emergency response measures as conditions evolve.