The Western Cape Education Department’s Rapid School Build programme seems to be progressing well as learners are already occupying newly built schools and additional classes.
Earlier this year, the province announced a budget cut of over R750 million and expressed concerns over the drastic changes they would experience. Despite this, the department is determined and will still build the nine schools and 496 classrooms in areas where there is overcrowding. To date, a total of 255 additional classrooms have been completed.
“Learners are already in class at brand new schools in Belhar, Kwanokuthula, Fisherhaven, Saldanha, Hout Bay and Macassar. New classrooms have been added to existing schools across the province, where demand for placement is highest,” the Department indicated in a statement.
According to the statement, more new and existing schools will be occupied by the end of February 2024. The newly built structures are to accommodate new learners. The National Treasury allocated an additional R2.549 billion to the department for this financial year and this will also go toward the Rapid School Build programme.
Spokesperson for the MEC, Kerry Mauchline, said that the plan is not to complete all renovations and new schools at one go.
“Our projects have different completion dates – as soon as they are ready, learners move in. Many of our projects were completed before schools opened, so learners started school in the new buildings,” Mauchline said.
In January, MEC David Maynier pleaded with communities to take care of schools and lookout for criminals who rob and vandalize schools. He said criminal activities in schools are a setback as they have to use funds that could improve the school to replace what has been damaged or stolen.
Speaking to Daily Thetha earlier this week, Elijah Mhlanga, who speaks on behalf of the Department of Basic Education, encouraged communities to take care of schools in their areas. Mhlanga said that the South African School Act grants the community the right to be involved in the affairs of the schools and that all School Governing Bodies need to consist of a safety committee.