Ntuthuzelo Nene27 March 2025 | 9:57

WCED appeals to community to help keep school property safe

During the December 2024 break, 47 incidents of burglary or vandalism were reported by 34 schools in the province.

WCED appeals to community to help keep school property safe

Picture: Paylessimages/123rf.com

CAPE TOWN - With the first term of the school year ending on Friday, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is appealing to residents to help keep schools safe.
 
During the December 2024 break, 47 incidents of burglary or vandalism were reported by 34 schools in the province.

Items damaged or stolen included electrical appliances, food for learners, bathroom fixtures, fencing and security equipment and windows.
 
The department said that despite increasing the number of schools with subsidised holiday security to more than 400 schools this year, it has unfortunately seen an increase in these cases.
 
Provincial Education MEC David Maynier said, "While we have subsidised security at 443 schools during the holiday period, we cannot overstate the positive impact that an involved community can have on the safety of our school properties. Please report any suspicious activity in and around our schools to SAPS [South African Police Service] immediately."