National Education Policy Act, 1996 (Act No. 27 of 1996)

Although this paragraph does not strictly belong in a policy dealing with the determination of the calendar, seeing that weather conditions cannot be predicted in the same way as public holidays are known in advance, it was deemed necessary to mention it here.

There are times at which, and regions in which, extreme climatic conditions occur that can make school attendance unproductive, uncomfortable, and even possibly injurious to health. One example is the high heat and humidity that are a seasonal feature of tropical coastal regions such as along the KwaZulu-Natal seaboard.

The principal of a school located in areas where high heat and humidity conditions occur must be aware of the conditions that can put learners at risk and must know in what circumstances, and on what basis, he or she can decide to apply to the Head of Department for permission for closing his or her school.

7.2        Discretion of the Head of Department

Owing to their unique needs, certain types of schools, such as schools for learners with special education needs, may require calendar arrangements that differ slightly from those of the majority of ordinary public schools. In such cases, the Head of Department has the discretion to approve a different calendar.

7.3        Deviation from the Policy

On a good cause shown, the Minister may authorise deviation from the Policy in exceptional circumstances.