The Mpumalanga Department of Education has announced the temporary suspension of classes in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality following persistent heavy rains that have disrupted schooling activities in parts of the province.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, the department said it convened a meeting with district directors and affected circuit managers to assess the impact of the ongoing rainfall on the reopening of schools. The meeting was held in consultation with sister departments and provincial disaster management teams.

The department reported a largely smooth reopening of schools in the Nkangala and Gert Sibande districts, where teaching and learning commenced without major challenges. Officials said the positive start to the academic year in these districts created a focused environment for meaningful educational activities.

However, conditions in the Bohlabela District, particularly in Bushbuckridge, have been more severe. Ongoing rains have resulted in waterlogged and inaccessible roads, making it difficult for some learners and teachers to reach their schools safely.

“After careful consideration, the department has taken the decision to temporarily suspend classes in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality for two days, from Thursday 15 January to Friday 16 January 2026,” the department said.

In the Ehlanzeni District, school principals have been granted the authority to exercise discretion based on on-the-ground assessments, prioritising the safety of learners and staff. The department emphasised that advisories allowing schools to apply discretion remain in place for all areas experiencing heavy rainfall, but noted that the severity of conditions in Bushbuckridge necessitated a formal suspension.

Department spokesperson Jasper Zwane urged communities to remain vigilant and to put safety first. “We strongly appeal to everyone not to cross flooded rivers, submerged bridges or unsafe roads under any circumstances,” he said.

The situation in Mpumalanga mirrors flooding challenges in neighbouring Limpopo, where villages such as Makuleke in Malamulele have been severely affected. In the Mopani and Vhembe districts, flooded roads and submerged bridges have cut off access to schools, clinics and entire communities. Schools in some areas have remained closed this week, while learners were unable to collect their Grade 12 results on 13 January due to flooding.

The South African Weather Service has issued an orange level nine warning for Limpopo, with heavy rainfall expected to continue for at least three days. Limpopo’s Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs department has confirmed that damage assessments are underway as it seeks emergency funding and national support.

Meanwhile, the Mpumalanga Department of Education said it will continue to closely monitor weather conditions and developments, stressing that the safety of learners remains a shared responsibility during the challenging rainy period.