By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with sabcnews.com
Published on 2024-01-17 14:08:13
Over 1.2 million pupils in the Western Cape have returned to or started their schooling year, but more than 3,000 learners are still in the process of being placed or waiting for positions at schools due to very late applications.
The budget cut of over R700 million in the province has resulted in fewer schools being built and teachers being employed than originally planned. This has come at a time when the Western Cape sees an influx of around 18,000 new learners every year. The provincial department of education initially planned to build 20 new schools to keep up with this demand, but had to defer 10 school builds to the next financial year due to budget uncertainty and the major cuts.
Despite these challenges, the first day of school at Westcott Primary School in Diep River went smoothly for most of its grade ones. Some students expressed excitement and surprise at their new experience.
Grade 1 learner Hannah Rhode said, “It’s very cool to come to big school because it feels like it’s a dream and I’m still at home. Why does it feel like a dream? I don’t know…is it fun…yes…why is it fun…I don’t know, it’s because I’m in a new class because the last time when I saw my class, I had a different classroom to my new classroom and it’s making it even better in grade one.”
Another grade 1 learner, Nicolas Josephs-John, echoed, “Where you scared to come to school today…no… why?…because my daddy told me it won’t be that scary…and, was he right? yes…in what way was he right, what was it like? It was like eating jelly…why is it like eating jelly…because it’s easy.”
The Western Cape Provincial Minister of Education, David Maynier, acknowledged the challenges of school placements due to the budget cuts, but assured that the department is committed to finding places for all learners in the coming weeks.
Premier Alan Winde has declared an Inter-Governmental Dispute with the national government over the budget cuts. The province is seeking to ensure that the funding for learners stays within the province and is considering legal action if necessary. The mediation process is hoped to deliver positive results, but the courts could be approached if the budget challenges persist.
Read the original article on SABC-News
