WCED to create over 400 teaching positions to accommodate rising learner numbers

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) intends to create over 400 teaching positions to address the increasing number of learners, according to Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier.

How many learners are there this year?

Minister Maynier stated that there are over 1.2 million learners in the country’s public schools this year. A total of 107 000 Grade 1s are entering the formal school system for the first time, and 100 000 Grade 8s are starting their high school career.

As of 14 January 2025, the WCED has allocated places for 118 914 learners, or 98%. These placements were for learners for whom applications were received for Grade 1 and 8 for the 2025 school year by 31 December 2024.

Placement is currently in progress for the remaining 2% of Grade 1 and 8 learners. Since the start of the year, the WCED has received late applications for over 300 Grade 1 and 8 learners for the current school year. Maynier stated that they are working on accommodating these learners as soon as possible.

In his statement, Maynier urged parents who have not yet applied for the 2025 school year to do so immediately at their education district office. District office details are available here: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions-officials

What is the WCED doing to accommodate growing numbers of learners?

The WCED is working on completing nine new schools and 265 additional classrooms for the 2025 school year. This includes six new schools and 180 classrooms for January 2025.

Through budget reallocation, the Department is now in a position to make up to 477 new growth posts available to schools with a significant increase in learner numbers in 2025, and provide staff for the new schools.

‘While this decision will have further implications for our budget deficit, it is crucial that our new and existing schools have the resources they need to accommodate additional learners in 2025,’ said Maynier.

WCED struggling with budget constraints

In August 2024, as reported by The South African, there was disagreement between the WCED and The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) when the WCED claimed it had to cut 2 407 teaching posts in 2025 due to funds that were not provided. However, SADTU, although acknowledging the reduction of the WCED budget, stated that they were not convinced that the Department explored all areas where they could reduce spending. SADTU Western Cape suggested a few alternatives for possible redirection of funding, e.g. putting the Systemic Evaluations on hold.