MOST schools in the country cancelled classes for today ahead of the tropical Cyclone Freddy which is expected to make a landing in the country.
Some schools in the provinces in the path of the cyclone shut down yesterday, while others, including in the capital Harare, also cancelled classes for the day.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry secretary Tumisang Thabela issued a statement advising pupils in parts of Manicaland, Masvingo, parts of Matabeleland South, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Harare Metropolitan provinces not to attend school today.
In a statement, Thabela said “no pupils within the above-named areas are to attend schools”.
“Student boarders are to remain in their hostels and continue with their studies via alternative learning modes from the confines of a safe environment. Heads of schools in these provinces are advised to exercise caution by notifying day pupils not to attend school on Friday or attempt to cross any flooded rivers,” Thabela said.
Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said: “The message about schools in six provinces closing reached everyone. The schools in the provinces will, therefore, be closed as a precautionary measure.”
Progressive Teachers Unions of Zimbabwe secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said learners at boarding schools in identified hotspots should have been evacuated already.
“We believe boarding schools in treacherous mountainous terrain should have been evacuated altogether. We do not want a repeat of the fatal incidents that occurred at St Charles Luwanga during Cyclone Idai in 2019, where buildings and hostels packed with students were destroyed by falling boulders, with fatal consequences. There is nothing like being overcautious,” Majongwe said.
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The Anglican Diocese of Manicaland which runs several schools in the province said it was on high alert.
Diocese secretary Edmond Samutereko said they had put measures to protect learners.
Department of Civil Protection (DCP) deputy director Farai Hokonya said: “So far, we have not received any incidents, but many parts are starting to rain. We continue to raise awareness and preposition resources in the districts for easy access when need arises.”
According to an update by the Meteorological Services Department in conjunction with DCP yesterday, parts of Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Chivi, Masvingo Rural, Zaka and Bikita will receive heavy rains above 65mm accompanied by strong winds.
