1. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) values the contribution that its employees make towards the goals and objectives of the department.
2. Until the current financial year, the WCED has always set aside a Public Service Bursary budget in the range of R700 000,00 to invest in its public service employees towards the achievement of diplomas and degrees that are in line with the priority areas for development in the department.
3. The budget allocation for the 2016/17 financial year allows for 48 public service employees to benefit from the in-service bursaries towards a formal qualification. Due to higher than anticipated course fees and the re-alignment of the in-service bursary budget allocation, the department cannot afford a new intake of bursary holders for 2017.
4. Those who are currently benefitting from the in-service bursary will continue to receive financial support. The WCED will be in a more favourable position to award in-service public service bursaries to new beneficiaries in 2017 for the 2018 academic year.
5. For enquiries regarding the in-service bursary kindly contact Mr L Ndzongo at tel. no. 021 467 2190 or email Lusapho.Ndzongo@westerncape.gov.za
6. Kindly ensure that all public service staff in your component are aware of the contents of this minute.


SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2016:08:17