May 5, 2026 – eRadio SA – Live from the Garden Route

Garden Route Schools to close ahead of expected storm

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In the interests of learner and teacher safety, and after extensive consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a decision has been taken to close schools in certain areas of the Eden and Central Karoo Education District on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, and Thursday, 7 May 2026.

All public ordinary and special needs schools in the following specific circuits will be closed on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, and Thursday, 7 May 2026, due to the severe rainfall warnings in these areas:

Circuits 3 and 8 (George)
Circuit 4 (Knysna)
Circuits 5 and 6 (Oudtshoorn)

The affected schools have received official notice of the closure from the Head of Department, and have been requested to communicate the closures to parents.

All other schools in the Western Cape will be open unless approval has been granted for closure, which will be done on a case-by-case basis.

"Our default position is always to keep schools open and only close schools in exceptional circumstances, but we are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place. We will continuously monitor and evaluate the situation to ensure that schools can reopen as soon as possible", the Department said in a statement.

All schools are expected to open on Friday, 8 May 2026. The Department of Education will, however, evaluate the weather prediction for the end of the week to determine whether any individual school closures are necessary for the remainder of the week.

List of school closures on 6 and 7 May 2026

Note: Circuits 3,4,5,6 and 8 of Eden and Central Karoo District only.

(Schools to reopen on Friday 8 May 2026)

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 3

1.         Conville Primary School
2.         Diepkloof VGK Primêre Skool
3.         Eden Technical High School
4.         George Voorbereidingskool
5.         Hibernia VGK Primêre Skool
6.         Hoekwil Laerskool
7.         Jonga Street Secondary School
8.         Karatara Laerskool
9.         Klipdrift EK Primêre Skool
10.      Lancewood Primêre Skool
11.      M M Mateza Primary School
12.      Olympia Skool
13.      Outeniqua Primary School
14.      Parkdene Primêre Skool (George)
15.      Parkdene Sekondêr
16.      Redlands Primêre Skool
17.      Ruigtevlei Primêre Skool
18.      Sedgefield Laerskool
19.      Sedgefield Primêre Skool
20.      Tabatha Primary School
21.      Thembalethu Secondary School
22.      Thembaletu Primary School
23.      Touwsranten VGK Primêre Skool
24.      Tyholora Primary School
25.      Van Kervel Spesiale Skool
26.      Waboomskraal VGK Primêre Skool
27.      York High School

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 4

1.         Bracken Hill EK Primêre Skool
2.         Chris Nissen Primary School
3.         Concordia High School
4.         Concordia Primêre Skool
5.         Formosa Primêre Skool
6.         Fraaisig Primary School
7.         Harkerville EK Primêre Skool
8.         Hornlee Primêre Skool
9.         Knysna Hoërskool
10.      Knysna Primary School
11.      Knysna Satellite Office
12.      Knysna Sekondêr
13.      Kranshoek Primêre Skool
14.      Kwanokuthula High School
15.      Kwanokuthula Primary School
16.      Murray High School
17.      Percy Mdala High School
18.      Phakamisani Primary School
19.      Plettenberg Bay Primary School
20.      Plettenbergbaai Sekondêr
21.      Rheenendal Primêre Skool
22.      Sunridge Primêre Skool
23.      The Crags Primêre Skool
24.      Thembelitsha Primary School
25.      Wittedrif Primêre Skool
26.      Wittedrift Hoërskool

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 5

1.         Aurial College
2.         Bergsig Primêre Skool
3.         Bridgton Sekondêr
4.         Calitzdorp Hoërskool
5.         Colridge Primêre Skool
6.         De Jager VGK Primêre Skool
7.         De Villiers Primêre Skool
8.         Eljada-Kairos Skool
9.         Excelsior VGK Primêre Skool
10.      Fezekile Secondary School
11.      Gamka-Oos Primêre Skool
12.      Grootkraal UCC Primêre Skool
13.      Kruisrivier-Wes UCC Primêre Skool
14.      Langenhoven Gimnasium
15.      Lategansvlei SSKV Primêre Skool
16.      Laurus Primere Skool
17.      Oudtshoorn Hoërskool
18.      Oudtshoorn School of Skills
19.      Rodewal UCC Primêre Skool
20.      Rooiberg SSKV Primêre Skool
21.      Volmoed Primêre Skool
22.      Voorbedag Primêre Skool
23.      Wesbank Laerskool
24.      Zeekoegat VGK Primêre Skool

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 6

1.         Avontuur LB Primêre Skool
2.         Bongolethu Primary School
3.         Britsevlakte NGK Primêre Skool
4.         De Rust Primêre Skool
5.         De Rust Sekondêr
6.         Dirk Boshoff Primêre Skool
7.         Dysselsdorp Primêre Skool
8.         Dysselsdorp Sekondêr
9.         Haarlem Sekondêre Skool
10.      Mooi Uitsig Primêre Skool No.2
11.      Morester Sekondêr
12.      P.J. Badenhorst Primêre Skool
13.      Protea Hoërskool
14.      Rooiheuwel VGK Primêre Skool
15.      Rooirivier VGK Primêre Skool
16.      Sacred Heart RK Primêre Skool
17.      Saturnus Primêre Skool
18.      Scheeperskraal SSKV Primêre Skool
19.      St. Konrad RK Primêre Skool
20.      Uniondale Hoërskool
21.      Van Reede Laerskool
22.      Vlakteplaas UCC Primêre Skool

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 8

1.         Blanco Laerskool
2.         Carpe Diem Skool
3.         Dellville Park Primary School
4.         Denneoord Laerskool
5.         Dieprivier VGK Primêre Skool
6.         Franken VGK Primêre Skool
7.         Geelhoutboom VGK Primêre Skool
8.         George Sekondêr
9.         George-Suid Laerskool
10.      Heatherlands High School
11.      Heidedal Primêre Skool
12.      Herold Laerskool
13.      Holy Cross Primary School (George)
14.      Hoogekraal SSKV Primêre Skool
15.      Imizamo Yethu Secondary School
16.      Kommandantsdrift SSKV Primêre Skool
17.      Kretzenshoop Primêre Skool
18.      Mzoxolo Primary School
19.      New Dawn Park Primêre Skool
20.      Outeniqua Hoërskool
21.      Pacaltsdorp Primêre Skool
22.      Pacaltsdorp Sekondêr
23.      Rosemoor Primêre Skool
24.      St. Mary's RK Primêre Skool (George)
25.      St. Paul's EK Primêre Skool (George)
26.      Van Der Hoven Laerskool

WHO Africa on Hantavirus: ‘Risk remains low but vigilance is high’

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Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Africa, Professor Mohamed Janabi, says although the “risk remains low at this time” for Africa regarding the current Hantavirus case flagged in South Africa, vigilance remains high.

A case of the rare but deadly disease was confirmed by the South African Department of Health after the condition of a patient aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius necessitated his medical evacuation to a South African private health facility in Sandton for further medical management.

Two other passengers, a couple, also presented with severe acute respiratory infection, with one collapsing at the OR Tambo International Airport while trying to connect a flight to her home country of the Netherlands.

In a post on social media platform X, Janabi assured that the WHO Africa is “closely monitoring and supporting response” to the event.

He said that as of Sunday, three people have died although only one case of the virus has been laboratory confirmed.

“Hantavirus is a rare disease typically linked to exposure to infected rodents, and while severe in some cases, it is not easily transmitted between people. WHO is working closely with the countries concerned and the ship’s operators to support medical care, coordinate evacuations and conduct a full public health risk assessment.

“For Africa, the risk remains low at this time, but our vigilance is high. We are strengthening surveillance and preparedness to ensure swift and effective response.

“Let me reassure the public that this is a serious but contained event and there is no need for panic or travel restrictions at this stage. Our focus is clear: to save lives, contain risks and ensure that countries are fully supported with science-based action,” Janabi said.

What is Hantavirus?
On its website, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) explains that Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) causing viruses are found in the Americas and are associated with “cricetid rodent host in endemic areas of South and North America”.

Transmission mainly occurs through “inhalation of aerosolised virus particles from rodent urine droppings, or nesting materials” with transmission through rodent bites less common.

“Human-to-human transmission of hantaviruses that cause HPS is very uncommon. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission for the majority of HPS-causing viruses, and rodent exposure - rather than human contact — causes infection. Andes virus [reported from parts of South America] is the only hantavirus with well-documented human-to-human transmission.

“Transmission of the Andes virus has been inefficient and required close contact in household and health facility settings, unlike highly transmissible respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.

“Evidence from Andes virus outbreaks (particularly in Argentina and Chile) indicates transmission can occur through close, prolonged contact with an infected person, especially involving household contacts, sexual partners, and caregivers. Likely routes of exposure include respiratory secretions (e.g., droplets from coughing), direct contact with saliva, and possibly other body fluids during the early symptomatic phase,” the NICD explained.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain in the first 3 to 5 days.

“As the disease progresses, patients may develop coughing and shortness of breath due to fluid accumulation in the lungs [pulmonary oedema] and a drop in blood pressure resulting in shock. The cardio-pulmonary phase can progress very quickly within hours], and the case fatality rate [CFR] for HPS is high, between 30 – 50 %.

“The CFR varies by virus, region, and access to intensive care, and patient factors [i.e., the influence of co-morbidities]. Common differential diagnoses (i.e., other diseases presenting with similar signs and symptoms) of suspected cases of HPS include (but are not limited to) influenza (i.e., flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus infection, Legionnaire’s disease, mycoplasma pneumonia, or severe community-acquired pneumonia,” the institute said.

There currently is “no specific antiviral treatment for HPS”, with management of the virus through hospitalisation, oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation and intensive care.

“In endemic countries, prevention focuses on reducing exposure to rodents. This includes sealing homes to prevent rodent entry, proper food storage, safe cleaning of rodent-infested areas (using disinfectants and avoiding sweeping), and using protective equipment when necessary.

“Since most hantaviruses that cause HPS are not readily transmissible from person-to-person, no other precautions are recommended, and for patients with HPS, isolation precautions may not be required.

“In the case of the Andes virus, patients diagnosed with HPS should be isolated with droplet precautions and careful handling of respiratory secretions. For HPS associated with the Andes virus, contacts of cases should be identified and monitored for 42 days (i.e., the maximum incubation period of the virus),” the NICD said.

Weather warning as cut-off low pressure system arrives

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warns of cold, wet, and windy conditions affecting large parts of the country from 5 to 7 May 2026.

A cut-off low-pressure system is expected to make landfall over western South Africa from Tuesday morning. It will initially affect the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape, before spreading inland.

A cut-off low is a slow-moving system that can cause prolonged severe weather.

Tuesday–Thursday (5–7 May 2026)

Significant impacts expected in:
Eastern Cape coastline and interior Eastern parts of the Western Cape
Spreading into the Free State

Rainfall:
Widespread rainfall
100–200 mm in 24 hours possible
High risk of widespread flooding

Additional hazards:
Damaging winds
Very rough seas along southern coast

Expected Impacts
Flooding
Roads and settlements flooded
Mudslides
Damage to infrastructure

Strong Winds
Power outages
Damage to structures
Falling trees affecting transport

Rough Seas
Waves of 5–7 metres
Coastal damage
Harbour disruptions
Possible storm surge

Snowfall
Western Cape and Eastern Cape high ground
Livestock losses
Mountain pass closures

Severe Thunderstorms
Free State and North West
Local flooding
Small hail
Local damage

Public Advice
-Be cautious when travelling
-Avoid flooded roads and rivers
-Secure loose outdoor items
-Follow official SAWS updates
-Avoid spreading unverified information

Power system remains ‘stable’ despite winter demand increase

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Eskom says the power system remains stable and resilient, despite increased electricity demand typically seen at the start of the winter season.

The power utility has maintained at least 350 days without implementing load shedding.

“[The system is] supported by sustained improvements in generation performance and disciplined operational execution.

“Progress delivered through the Generation Recovery Plan has materially reduced reliance on diesel‑fired generation, strengthened cost efficiency, and underpins Eskom’s Winter Outlook, which projects no loadshedding for the period ahead,” an Eskom statement read.

The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) now stands at some 60.14%, a 4.13% increase from last year.

“This performance reflects sustained progress under Eskom’s turnaround strategy and represents a 4.52% improvement compared to the corresponding period two years ago.

“Between 24 and 30 April 2026, average unplanned outages declined to 12 795MW, a reduction of 1 854MW compared to the 14 649MW recorded over the same period last year, contributing to a less constrained power grid.

“Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), which reflects unplanned outages, was 26.65%, representing a 4.21% reduction compared to the 30.86% recorded during the same period last year, thereby contributing to available capacity,” the statement continued.

Dependence on diesel for Open Cycle Gas Turbines has also reduced, with expenditure reducing to R374.93 million, significantly decreasing from the R2.347 billion incurred in the same period last year (1 to 30 April 2026).

“This continued reduction demonstrates both the cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through Eskom’s ongoing turnaround efforts. Overall, this positive trend highlights the growing stability and efficiency of the power system,” the statement said.

Eskom will bring 3 063MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak on Monday.

Meanwhile, Eskom’s work to end load reduction is gaining momentum with some 352 968 customers now no longer affected.

Load reduction is implemented as a temporary measure in high-risk areas to protect both communities and the electricity network where illegal connections and meter tampering persist.

“To address these challenges sustainably, Eskom has launched a phased programme to eliminate load reduction by 2027. The programme targets 971 feeders and will benefit approximately 1.69 million customers across all provinces, out of Eskom’s total customer base of 7.2 million.

“With the feeders removed from load reduction to date, an estimated 352 968 customers are now benefiting. The remaining customers still due for load reduction removal by financial year‑end are 122 817 in both Limpopo and Mpumalanga, 76 322 in Gauteng, 13 080 in both the Eastern and Western Cape, 5 936 in the KwaZulu-Natal and Free State, and 6 224 in the Northern Cape and North West provinces,” the power utility said.