1. In terms of Treasury Circular 51/2009, it has become imperative that we curtail expenditure owing to the economic problems that are being experienced. In addition, the Premier, in her 2009 State of the Province Address, stated that departments have not been using taxpayer's money to the maximum benefit of the public and that budgets will have to be fine-tuned to ensure that taxpayers are getting value for money.
2. In order to reduce Departmental spending on air travel, the following cost saving measures must be implemented with immediate effect:
2.1 No first class or business class air travel will be allowed, be it for domestic or international travel (excluding upgrading by airlines at no additional cost to the department);
2.2 Senior managers must ensure that air travel by officials contributes to the educational objectives and functions of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). Requests to travel must be fully justified in writing and authorised by the appropriate responsibility managers. Alternative arrangements, to limit official travel, e.g. group teleconferencing, must always be considered;
2.3 Attendance at workshops, conferences, meetings, etc. must be limited to the minimum number of delegates required to reap the benefits of such gatherings. Meetings and conferences must be held in WCED buildings, or in close proximity to them;
2.4 A saving of up to 50% can be made if flights are booked 30 days in advance. If flights are booked 15 days in advance, the saving will, of course, be less. All officials are therefore requested to submit their applications for flights at the earliest possible date in order to secure the highest discount. Savings can also be made when use is made of flights that depart either before 06:00 or after 17:00;
2.5 Flight bookings must be confirmed during office hours only, as a service fee is charged for after-hours confirmations.
3. All information submitted on the signed Official Transport Request form (VA26A) must be accurate, as no changes can be made to booked flights. Bear in mind that, if a change is requested after confirmation of a booking, a cancellation fee is payable by the Department.
4. Kindly bring these stipulations to the attention of all concerned.
5. Your co-operation will be appreciated.


SIGNED: LJ ELY
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2009:10:07