The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has announced 477 new teaching positions to staff newly built schools and handle increased enrollment, following the earlier loss of 2,400 teaching posts due to budget cuts.

Seven new schools have opened to address the placement shortage, with more than 1,500 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners still awaiting space in Western Cape schools.

Education MEC David Maynier confirmed three additional schools will be completed by March. “We have completed 283 new classrooms in January 2025, including new schools in Lwandle, Wallacedene, Blue Downs, Philippi, Delft, and Darling,” he said.

The department has installed new classrooms across six communities and plans to deploy additional mobile units in coming weeks, demonstrating its commitment despite the R3.8 billion budget shortfall.

This expansion aims to address the persistent challenge of student placement while maintaining educational standards across the province.