{
  "id": 550494,
  "title": "Gauteng Education MEC urges learners to attend school despite cold weather",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/gauteng-education-mec-urges-learners-to-attend-school-despite-cold",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-11T09:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/ios/news/2026-08-11-gauteng-education-mec-urges-learners-to-attend-school-despite-cold-weather/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has called on students across the province to attend school as usual, despite freezing temperatures forecasted in various regions. Maile emphasized that cold weather alone should not prevent teaching and learning from taking place. He advised parents to ensure their children are dressed warmly and travel safely to school. The department warned that the cold weather may make temperatures feel colder due to rain, cloud cover, and wind.\n\nMaile urged school communities to stay informed about official weather updates from the SA Weather Service. Parents and guardians were encouraged to make sure their children are dressed appropriately for the cold weather, including wearing school jerseys, jackets, and other warm clothing. The department expressed concern for learners who may need additional warm clothing due to the weather, and schools were asked to provide extra support where necessary.\n\nMaile stressed that as long as learners are healthy and do not need to be absent for health reasons, they should attend school as normal in cold weather. However, he cautioned against making fires on school premises for warmth, as open fires pose significant safety risks. He reminded learners and school staff of the importance of remaining vigilant and ensuring that everyone stays warm through safe and responsible means, such as dressing warmly, using approved heating sources, and following all safety guidelines.",
  "summary": "Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has urged parents and learners to take precautions against the cold weather expected across the province, saying cold conditions alone should not disrupt teaching and learning.",
  "key_points": [
    "Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile urges students to attend school despite cold weather.",
    "Parents advised to ensure children are dressed warmly and travel safely to school.",
    "Department warns cold weather may feel colder due to rain, wind, and cloud cover."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Gauteng learners are expected to prioritize attending school over cold weather concerns, with the education department urging parents and schools to provide support for those in need of extra warmth.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}