Reports of sleet mixed with snow have been received in parts of Germiston, including Lambton and Bedfordview, as cold and wet weather affects large parts of Gauteng on August 11.

The Gauteng Department of Education has urged learners, parents, guardians, educators and school communities to take the necessary precautions as temperatures drop across the province.

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile said some of the coldest conditions were expected across Johannesburg and surrounding areas.

Cold conditions are also expected across Ekurhuleni and Tshwane, while parts of Sedibeng and the Vaal are expected to experience cool to cold conditions.

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Rain, extensive cloud cover and wind could make conditions feel considerably colder in affected areas.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) remains the official source of weather forecasts, warnings and advisories, with the education department continuing to monitor its updates.

Learners urged to dress warmly

Maile urged parents and guardians to ensure learners are appropriately dressed before leaving home.

School jerseys, jackets and other warm clothing are recommended to help learners cope with the cold.

“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,” said Maile.

He added that schools should exercise reasonable consideration where learners require additional warm clothing because of the weather.

“Our priority is to keep learners safe, warm and in the classroom.”

Despite the cold, the department said the weather should not unnecessarily disrupt teaching and learning.

Learners who are healthy and able to travel safely are encouraged to attend school as normal unless the department or relevant authorities communicate otherwise.

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“Cold weather on its own should not keep our children away from school. As long as learners are not sick and it is safe for them to travel, we encourage them to dress warmly and attend school,” said Maile.

Warning over fires at schools

The MEC also issued a strong warning against learners making fires on school premises to keep warm.
Open fires pose a serious safety risk and could result in burns, fires, damage to school infrastructure and potentially life-threatening incidents.

“We understand that learners may look for ways to keep warm, but making fires on school premises is extremely dangerous and must not happen,” said Maile.

He said learners must not start fires in classrooms, toilets, corridors, school grounds or anywhere else on school premises.

Principals, educators and School Governing Bodies have been urged to remain vigilant and ensure learners keep warm through safe means.

ALSO READ: Government warns of festive season weather risks amid heavy rain and holiday travel

Caution urged on roads

Parents, guardians and learners have also been urged to exercise additional caution when travelling to and from school.

https://x.com/tWeatherSA/status/

Rain, reduced visibility, slippery roads and other hazardous conditions could make journeys more dangerous.

“We want every learner to arrive at school safely, remain warm and protected throughout the school day, receive the education they deserve and return home safely,” said Maile.

🔴 BREAKING: FIRST REPORTS OF SLEET MIXED WITH SNOW IN PARTS OF GERMISTON & SURROUNDING AREAS ☃️ https://t.co/8ZQ3d7ARzh

— Gauteng Weather (@tWeatherSA) August 11, 2026

The Gauteng Department of Education will continue monitoring SAWS forecasts, warnings and advisories.
Should weather conditions require additional measures affecting schools, these will be communicated through official departmental channels.