Statement by Donald Grant, Minister of Education in the Western Cape

“I am pleased to report that the number of reported vandalism incidents, to date, has decreased from last year,’ said Minister Donald Grant on Monday.

“The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has received 21 reports of burglary and vandalism. Of the 21 cases reported, five schools suffered major vandalism and burglary damages. These five schools represent 0.4 % of the overall number of schools in the province,” he said.

Grant said that seven of the reported cases were attempted burglaries. Windows and doors damaged have since been repaired by the schools utilizing the unscheduled maintenance budget allocated by the WCED.

“Nine schools had reported minor cases of burglary and vandalism where drain covers, taps or door handles were removed from classrooms.”

The Minister said that the Department takes the issue of vandalism of school property very seriously.

“This is a very serious offence and those perpetrators caught should be punished to the full extent of the law. We shall not tolerate that our learners and educators suffer because of offenders destroying our schools.”

The total number of schools vandalized over the last four years during December is:

06/07 - 58 schools
07/08 - 48 schools
08/09 - 24 schools
09/10 - 21 schools

The five schools that experienced severe damages are Tygersig Primary, Khanya Primary School, Vukani Primary School, Hermeslaan Primary School and Eurecon Primary.

“At Tygersig Primary the electricity cables were stripped out and doors and ceilings severely damaged. At Khanya Primary School, both the Admin block and the library were damaged, kitchen equipment and stationery was stolen, as well as a copy machine,” he said.

“We are pleased to hear that two suspects were arrested on school premises.”

Grant said that at Vukani Primary School, safety gates, doors, and windows were damaged, and a server and learning material stolen.

“At Hermeslaan Primary School, three servers were stolen out of the computer lab, with damages to the windows and burglar bars. Finally, at Eurecon Primary, electrical wires of 22 of the classrooms were targeted and removed.”

“I would like to thank Nariman Khan and her Safe Schools team for their role in trying to beat this scourge. I would also like to thank SAPS and the cluster patrols for assisting us in this regard,” he said.

“The estimated cost of all of these damages still needs to be determined.”

For enquiries, contact Bronagh Casey:  072 724 1422 or brcasey@pgwc.gov.za.

Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za