Ten new schools being built in the Western Cape, despite a massive budget cut

Ten new schools are being built in the Western Cape, with an additional 3 replacement schools for learners in the 2024 school year. This was confirmed by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), despite a massive budget cut of R716.4 million to the province’s education sector.

The schools are part of the department’s Rapid School Build programme,

‘’Our officials and contractors have worked hard throughout the holiday period to ensure that we expand the number of places available for the learners we’ve already received applications for, and to prepare for the expected extremely late applications received since 1 January 2024,’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape Education MEC.

PHOTO: X - @DavidMaynier

He said finishing touches are being made on new junior high schools in Belhar, Fisherhaven, and Kwanokuthula.

‘’Following over a year of being blocked from construction by criminal activity, we have laid the foundations at the Blueridge site, where we are building a new primary and high school for the community of Wallacedene. Lwandle Primary School in Somerset West is also back on track following disruptions at the site. We are working hard to finish these delayed projects as soon as possible,’’ said Maynier.

The MEC said in addition, classroom expansions are in progress or completed at dozens of existing schools, some of whom have committed their own funding to expanding the number of places available in their schools.

 

Done by: Mitchum George