Vhembe schools set to reopen as teachers and learners return amid flood recovery

After weeks of heavy rain that left roads and bridges in the Vhembe area damaged, schools in the region are preparing to reopen this week, with teachers and learners expected to return pending safety assessments.

Rural villages, including those in the Vhembe East Circuit and parts of Mopani, were cut off when the school year was scheduled to start on 13 January, as flooding made travel unsafe and damaged school infrastructure.

Some bridges were swept away by last week’s floods, and several roads remain in poor condition. Even some schools suffered structural damage, forcing the Department of Education to suspend lessons in the worst-affected areas.

In a statement on 12 January, the department urged teachers not to take risks travelling to schools. On Sunday 18 January, MEC of Education Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya said teachers must return to work to assess conditions, with learners now expected back on 20 January, provided it is safe.

One parent, Mr Langu Makhubele from Maelula, said learners could not even collect their schoolbooks on 12 January due to flooding. He expressed hope that classes could resume soon, allowing children in the affected areas to continue their education alongside peers in other districts who returned last week.

Date:19 January 2026

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Read: 4772