Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier wished learners, teachers and school staff members a safe and peaceful June/July holiday after a ‘’very busy’’ second term.
Maynier is, however, appealing to communities to protect
schools during the holidays.
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PICTURE: PixabayDuring the March school holidays, 26 incidents of burglary
and vandalism were reported at 21 schools across the province. According to the
Western Cape Education Department, some of the schools were targeted more than
once. These incidents involved the damaging or looting of classrooms,
administration blocks, kitchens, storerooms, and outdoor infrastructure. Stolen
items included computers, school desks, plumbing components, and groceries. The
total cost of damages and losses amounted to R231 527.67.
‘’To help prevent school vandalism during the holidays, the
WCED has committed to providing additional funding for security subsidies at
high-risk schools. This includes 12-hour and 24-hour on-site security and
cluster patrols. Eligible schools may also receive annual subsidies for armed
response. Further interventions include burglar bars, stone guards, security
gates, automated access control systems, and fencing repairs of up to 35
metres,’’ said Leon van Wyk, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Education.
“A special thank you to our matrics and the teachers who
will be sacrificing part of their holiday to attend #BackOnTrack lessons and
training, in order to improve learning outcomes and prepare for the final exams
at the end of the year. As always, we appeal to communities to keep a close eye
on their local schools during the holiday period, when they are at greatest risk
of burglary and vandalism. If you see anything suspicious occurring in and
around our schools, please contact the South African Police Services
immediately. Your quick reporting can make all the difference in apprehending
perpetrators and retrieving stolen goods,’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape
Education MEC.
Done By: Mitchum George
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