WCED says doing everything possible to support schools following national budget cuts

CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said it was doing everything possible to support schools following major budget cuts imposed by national government. 
 
The department said it was dealt a devastating blow, as the cuts forced the implementation of stringent cost containment measures.

"We are currently facing an R870 million deficit in the 2024/25 financial year that needs to be absorbed to cover the cost of the increases in the nationally negotiated public sector wage agreement," said the WCED's Bronagh Hammond.
 
Hammond said the department issued a circular in November that indicated that in order to maintain the number of permanent teaching posts in the system and stability in schools, various cost containment measures needed to be implemented.

"In preparation for implementation, approximately 3,100 contract posts were converted to permanent posts, special vacancy lists were made available so that schools could ensure that appointments to fill vacant posts could be made, and the department made arrangements to expedite the administration around the filling of the posts."