WCED to add up to 477 growth posts for new schools, classrooms and learners
16 January 2025 | SANews
On Wednesday Premier Alan Winde and Education Minister David Maynier visited Timour Hall Primary School in Plumstead to welcome learners as they embarked on the 2025 school year.
The day marked a significant moment for over 1.2 million students in the province’s public schools, with 107,000 Grade 1 students beginning their formal education journey, and another 100,000 Grade 8s stepping into high school for the first time.
Addressing the new Grade 1 students and their families, Premier Alan Winde offered words of encouragement. “It’s alright to be a bit nervous on your first day of school,” he told them. “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 schoolwork and playtime, you will be able to achieve so much more!”
Premier Winde also expressed gratitude to the parents and caregivers for their commitment to their children’s education. “Succeeding at school is not just up to the learners themselves,” he noted. “It is about the community of care they receive from you, our communities, and of course our dedicated teachers and principals. This province’s success, and our commitment to driving economic prosperity and job growth, continues with these learners who start school today.”
Admissions Progress and Late Applications
As of January 14, 2025, 98% of the learners who applied for Grade 1 and Grade 8 placements for the new school year have been successfully placed. This represents a total of 118,914 learners out of the 121,392 applications submitted by the 31 December 2024 deadline. However, 2% of learners—2,478 students—are still in the process of being placed.
Furthermore, since the start of the year, over 300 new late applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 placements have been received. The department has acknowledged the stress this may cause parents and has requested patience as they work to accommodate these students as quickly as possible.
Parents who have yet to apply for the 2025 school year are urged to do so immediately at their local education district office. Details on how to apply can be found on the official Western Cape Education Department website.
Addressing School Infrastructure and Growth
The Western Cape Education Department is continuing its efforts to expand infrastructure to meet the growing demand for school spaces. Despite budget constraints, the province is making strides in creating additional space for learners by constructing new schools and classrooms. For the 2025 school year, nine new schools and 265 additional classrooms are being completed, including six new schools and 180 classrooms for January 2025.
In addition to new facilities, the department is ensuring that schools are staffed adequately to accommodate the influx of learners. During his Adjustment Budget speech in December 2024, the Education Minister highlighted the need to make provisions for new teachers to support the expanded schools and classrooms.
As part of this initiative, the province will add up to 477 new teaching posts in schools experiencing significant increases in student numbers. These posts will be allocated based on the 10th-day SNAP survey data, which confirms the number of new students enrolled. This move, while placing further pressure on the province’s budget, is seen as critical to ensuring that both new and existing schools have the necessary resources to meet the demands of the 2025 school year.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 school year in the Western Cape represents a period of significant growth and investment in education. With new infrastructure, additional teaching staff, and a commitment to ensuring all learners have access to quality education, the province is working to address the challenges posed by an increasing student population while continuing its drive for economic prosperity and job creation.
As learners and educators embark on this new academic year, the government’s focus remains on providing the support and resources needed for success in the classroom and beyond.