WCED to add up to 477 growth posts for new schools, classrooms and learners
Statement by Minister David Maynier, Minister of Education Western Cape
This morning, Premier Alan Winde and I visited Timour Hall Primary School in Plumstead to welcome learners for the 2025 school year.
We have over 1.2 million learners in our public schools this year, with 107 000 Grade 1s entering “big school” for the first time, and 100 000 Grade 8s starting their high school career.
Premier Alan Winde said to our Grade 1s and their loved ones:
"It is alright to be a bit nervous on your first day of school. But always know that there is someone to help you. Do not be afraid to ask for help. If you put in the effort, you will reap the rewards. However, at the same time remember to also make time to have some fun too! By creating a balance between your schoolwork and play time you will be able to achieve so much more!”
“To our parents and caregivers thank you for prioritising your child’s education. Succeeding at school is not just up to our learners, it is about the community of care that they receive from you, our communities and of course our dedicated teachers, principals and the whole team that supports education in this province. This province’s success and our commitment to driving economic prosperity and more jobs in the future continues with these learners who start school today "
Admissions update
As of 14 January 2025, we have allocated places for 118 914, or 98%, of the learners for whom applications were received for Grade 1 and 8 for the 2025 school year by 31 December 2024.
Placement is in progress for 2 478, or 2%, of Grade 1 and 8 learners. However, since the start of the year, new extremely late applications have been received for over 300 Grade 1 and 8 learners for the current school year.
We understand that this is a stressful and anxious period for parents who are waiting for a place, and we are asking parents to work with us as we try to accommodate their children as soon as possible.
We urge any parent who has not yet applied for the 2025 school year to do so immediately at their education district office. District office details are available here: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions-officials
New school infrastructure
Our provincial education system continues to grow, and we are taking steps to accommodate the increase in learner numbers this year despite severe budget constraints.
To create more space for learners, we are working to complete 9 new schools and 265 additional classrooms in total for learners in the 2025 school year. This includes 6 new schools and 180 classrooms for January 2025.
Addition of up to 477 growth posts
During my Adjustment Budget speech in December 2024, I said that we would need to make provision for these new schools, and new classrooms, to have teachers, and that we are considering all available options ahead of 2025 school year.
I said that we would fight for our teachers, and we continue to do so.
Through further budget reprioritisation, we are in a position to make up to 477 new growth posts available to schools with a significant increase in learner numbers in 2025, and provide staff for the new schools we have completed.
Our Head of Department has sent a letter to schools in this regard, the allocation of these posts will be based on the data provided by our 10th day SNAP survey, which confirms the number of new learners that have arrived to take up the places that they have been offered in our schools.
While this decision will have further implications for our budget deficit, it is crucial that our new and existing schools have the resources they need to accommodate additional learners in 2025.
Media Enquiries:
Kerry Mauchline
Spokesperson to Minister David Maynier
Western Cape Ministry of Education
Kerry.Mauchline@westerncape.gov.za