2024 school year concludes!

The 2024 school year officially ended on Wednesday, and the Western Cape Education Department has appealed to the public to keep a close eye on their local schools, which are targets of vandalism and burglary whenever schools are closed.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Over the December-January 2023 holiday period, twenty-four schools in the Western Cape, were either burgled or vandalized, with 26 incidents reported. This is a significant decrease compared to the same holiday period in 2022, when 48 incidents were reported at 42 schools.

Education MEC, David Maynier, says his department has subsidized security for more than 400 schools over this holiday period, further urging residents living close to schools to report any suspicious activity to police.

‘’We are subsiding holiday security at 480 of our schools over the break, but we need the support of our communities to keep our schools safe while closed. Please keep a close eye on your local school, and report any suspicious activity to the SAPS immediately. Quick reporting can make all the difference in deterring would-be criminals, or apprehending perpetrators that have targeted our schools.’’

Maynier wished teachers and learners a safe and peaceful holiday.

‘’This has been a challenging year for the Western Cape Education Department and our schools, and we thank our teachers, principals, School Governing Bodies and officials for the leadership they have shown during this period.’’

‘’Next year is likely to be even more challenging. We encourage staff and learners to get as much rest as they can, to return refreshed and ready for the 1st term in January!,’’ added David Maynier, Education MEC.

Schools reopen on 15 January 2025

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi