Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

20 July, 2016

Minister Schafer concerned about increase in burglary and vandalism incidents reported over the 2016 winter holiday period.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

I am very disappointed to report that there has been an increase in burglary and vandalism incidents reported over the 2016 winter holiday period. This was despite increased security control measures at targeted schools.

In order to protect our schools as far as possible from burglary and vandalism over the holiday period, the WCED's Safe Schools directorate arranges increased security at some of our high risk identified schools. However, this unfortunately does not always guarantee the school's safety as our school properties are large and therefore it is difficult to monitor the entire perimeter at the same time.

This holiday, it appears that again, schools with security were targeted. This further affirms the need for community assistance in protecting our schools. We need communities to be vigilant regarding activities around our schools and report any suspicious behaviour to SAPS as soon as possible. We also need their assistance in identifying or reporting perpetrators who often are from within the community.

During the July winter school holiday period 21 schools across the province reported incidents of vandalism and/or burglary compared to 18 in the same period last year.

Of the 21 schools;

• The Cape Winelands District again reported the highest number of incidents in the Province, with 8 incidents of burglary and vandalism.

• The Metro Central District reported 5 incidents while the Overberg District reported 3 incidents.

• Metro East and the Eden & Karoo Districts reported 2 incidents while Metro North reported 1 incident.

• 1 school in District Metro Central was targeted on 3 separate occasions despite having 24 hour security. 6 schools were targeted twice during the holiday which brings the total number of actual incidents to 30 incidents.

• Metro South Education District reported no incidents.

All but one of the incidents was classified as minor. An incident is classified as minor if the estimated cost of repairs is below R100 000 and the schools' ability to function is not impacted in any way. The incident that was classified as major was in Metro Central whereby arsonists torched an entire classroom, destroying its contents such as desks, chairs, books as well as e-learning equipment. The cost estimate at this stage is just over R100 000.

I have to question what the purpose of such an act would be? Why destroy a learning environment set to benefit and enrich the lives our youth and give them opportunities?

In most cases, perpetrators targeted ablution blocks, stealing copper piping, taps, and cistern flush mechanisms.

Once again, feeding scheme kitchens were targeted with cooking apparatus and food being stolen.

The WCED is completing a cost analysis but so far, the cost for repairs for just over half of the schools has come in at around R500 000.

The department and schools could better spend these funds on improving the quality of education in schools.

At the end of the day, vandalism represents theft from our learners.

(Please note: The WCED does not identify the names of schools that have been affected by burglary and vandalism. In many cases, the damages caused by the perpetrators can result in a security threat or breach. Therefore, it is our policy to not announce the names).

Media enquiries:
Jessica Shelver
Spokesperson for the Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape Education Department
Tel: 076 175 0663