1. The SADC Research Centre has been appointed by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to conduct an infrastructure assessment at all WCED schools from April 2011 to October 2011.
2. The National Education Infrastructure Management System (NEIMS) survey of WCED schools was undertaken in 2006-2007 under the auspices of the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The DBE subsequently released the data acquired during that survey, which proved to be invaluable for planning. However, the data has not been updated since the survey and its usefulness is being compromised.
3. To ensure that the integrity of the information is maintained, it is necessary not only to update the data, but also to create a system that will enable the WCED in future to update its data as soon as improvements at schools have been completed. This will also enable us to draw up an informed maintenance schedule.
4. The SADC Research Centre will give schools 2 weeks' notice of their intended visit. Their assessment will include the following:

  • Brief interview with principal or his or her delegated representative
  • An on-site assessment - measuring, counting, recording, drawing and photographing of all school facilities
  • Verification by the principal or delegated representative that the assessment took place

The visit should take 3 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the school.
5. The WCED has made it clear to the SADC Research Centre that interruption of school classes must be kept to the minimum. All assessment forms will be completed by the fieldworkers; the principal or his or her delegated representative need only to sign to verify that the assessment has taken place.
6. The WCED appeals to all schools to assist the SADC Research Centre to conduct the assessment and sincerely trusts that this exercise will improve infrastructure planning and management of all schools.


SIGNED: MM HARKER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: EDUCATION PLANNING
DATE: 2011:04:26