All systems go for start of 2024 academic year: WC Education Dept
Western Cape Education’s MEC David Maynier said the department is looking forward to welcoming learners back to school on Wednesday, despite over 2,000 grade 1 and grade 8 learners having yet to be placed.
An image of 'back to school' written on a board. Picture: Pexels/Oleksandr P
CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Education Department says it's prepared for the start of the 2024 academic year, despite absorbing a R700 million budget cut.
Officials in the province said they are, however, still working on the placements of over 2,000 grade 1 and grade 8 learners.
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The Western Cape Education’s MEC, David Maynier, said it's all systems go.
"We are looking forward to welcoming our learners back to school on Wednesday, the 17th of January 2024. Our department and schools have been hard at work preparing for schools to reopen, procuring R49 million in textbooks, R24 million in stationery, R17.5 million in furniture, and R2 million in equipment."
Maynier said they're confident that a significant number of unplaced learners would be admitted to schools within the first two days of the week.
"Our officials and contractors have also been working throughout the holiday to deliver 10 new schools and hundreds of extra classrooms for new learners in 2024. We appeal for patience as we finalise the remaining placements of new applicants."