Key Takeaways:
- The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is urging parents to report schools that withhold report cards over unpaid fees.
- Schools can request parents to collect report cards to discuss outstanding fees and payment arrangements.
- The #BackOnTrack programme helped recover up to 205 learning days lost during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- A new Mathematics intervention for Foundation Phase learners was introduced, training Grade 1 teachers and supplying Maths kits and workbooks.
- The Rapid School Build programme has delivered new schools and classrooms, expanding access to education across the province.
- Communities are encouraged to help protect schools during the holiday period by reporting suspicious activity to SAPS.
Introduction to the Issue
As the 2025 academic year comes to a close, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is addressing a pressing concern that affects many parents and learners. The department is urging parents to report any schools that threaten to withhold report cards over unpaid fees. This issue is not only a source of stress for parents but also a potential barrier to learners’ access to their academic records. WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond emphasizes that schools can request parents to collect report cards to discuss outstanding fees and payment arrangements, but withholding report cards is not an acceptable practice.
The Role of the WCED
The WCED is committed to supporting parents and learners in resolving any issues related to unpaid fees. Hammond notes that if parents are still being told that they have to settle accounts before getting report cards, they can contact the school district directly. The department encourages parents to settle their fees, if possible, as this assists schools with operational costs. Additionally, learners are advised to return all textbooks, which is an essential step in ensuring that schools can maintain their resources and provide quality education to all learners. By providing a clear channel for parents to report any issues and by encouraging open communication, the WCED is working to ensure that all learners have access to their report cards and can move forward with their academic pursuits.
Reflections on the Academic Year
Education MEC David Maynier reflected on a challenging yet successful year, highlighting the progress made in various areas. One of the notable achievements is the #BackOnTrack programme, which helped recover up to 205 learning days lost during the Covid-19 pandemic. This programme provided extra classes to 23,450 learners and additional training to 2,483 teachers, demonstrating the department’s commitment to supporting learners and educators affected by the pandemic. Maynier also noted that around 21,700 matric learners attended Winter School in July to improve their chances of passing and advancing to further studies. These initiatives demonstrate the department’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and ensure that learners are well-supported in their academic journey.
New Initiatives and Progress
The WCED has also introduced new initiatives to improve education outcomes. A new structured Mathematics intervention for Foundation Phase learners was introduced, which trained Grade 1 teachers in 70 schools and supplied Maths kits and workbooks. This programme aims to improve learners’ mathematical skills and will expand to Grades 2 and 3 next year. Furthermore, significant progress was made in school infrastructure, with the Rapid School Build programme delivering new schools and classrooms at a fast pace. Private sector investments, supported by Edu Invest and Wesgro, are also helping establish new independent schools, expanding access to education across the province. These initiatives demonstrate the department’s commitment to providing quality education and improving education outcomes for all learners.
School Safety and Security
As the holiday period approaches, Maynier urged communities to help protect schools during this time. While 439 high-risk schools receive holiday security, the public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to SAPS to safeguard school property. This is a critical aspect of ensuring that schools remain safe and secure, and that learners and educators can return to a safe and supportive environment when the new academic year begins. By working together, communities can play a vital role in protecting schools and promoting a culture of safety and respect. The WCED’s efforts to promote school safety and security are essential in creating an environment that is conducive to learning and academic success.