Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier has announced that the province’s Grade 3 learners have achieved their highest-ever results in the annual systemic tests for Mathematics and Language.

Releasing the results on Wednesday, 11 February, Maynier said the improvements mark a significant milestone in the province’s recovery from the learning losses experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since 2021, the Grade 3 Mathematics pass rate has increased by 17.7 percentage points, rising from 44.3% to 62.0%. Language pass rates have improved by 14.3 percentage points over the same period, climbing from 36.9% to 51.2%.

According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), these pass rates now exceed pre-pandemic levels and are the highest recorded since the current format of the systemic tests was introduced.

Maynier attributed the gains to the province’s #BackOnTrack programme, which prioritises strengthening early learning in the foundation phase.

“We have made a massive investment into early learning in the Western Cape, and it is paying off,” he said.

“More children in our province can now read and calculate effectively than ever before, which gives them a better chance of succeeding in higher grades and in their post-school careers.”

A key part of the strategy has been the introduction of a structured language programme. Initially piloted in 50 schools in 2021, the programme was rolled out to all primary schools by 2024. Teachers in Grades 1 to 3 received training in the science of reading, and schools were provided with dedicated teacher and learner support materials.

In addition, the WCED increased the time allocated to Reading and Mathematics during the school day for learners in Grades 1 to 3.

In 2025, more than 91,000 Grade 3 learners wrote the independently administered annual systemic tests. The department says the assessments provide critical data on which skills learners are mastering and where additional support is needed. Schools receive detailed reports to help them adjust their teaching and targeted interventions.

Maynier praised foundation phase teachers for their role in the improved results. “You have shown up in your numbers for additional training and made excellent use of the support we have provided. Thank you for the work that you do every day to ensure that your learners are on the right track,” he said.

Despite the progress, the MEC stressed that more work lies ahead. The WCED plans to expand its early learning focus in 2026 by introducing a structured numeracy programme and strengthening monitoring and evaluation measures across each grade. The language programme will also continue, with further training for novice teachers in the science of reading.

“Working together, we will build a strong foundation for our children here in the Western Cape,” Maynier said.

The Ward councillor for Beacon Valley has expressed deep sorrow following the fatal pit bull attack that claimed the life of a 44-year-old woman, while urging the community to allow authorities to complete their investigation before drawing conclusions.

Councillor Solomon Philander extended condolences to the family and loved ones of Faziela Swartz, describing the incident as a “deeply painful and distressing matter” for the community.

In a statement, Philander confirmed that no prior complaints had been received about the pit bulls kept at the Marlise Crescent residence where the attack occurred.

He reminded residents that the City of Cape Town’s Animal Keeping By-law requires all dog owners to keep their pets under proper control and within prescribed limits, unless a valid permit has been issued.

The by-law empowers authorised City officials to take action, including removing animals, if they pose a danger or nuisance, in order to protect residents and ensure animal welfare.

Philander cautioned against speculation and the spread of misinformation, saying this could add to the trauma experienced by the bereaved family and potentially interfere with due process.

While acknowledging growing calls for pit bulls to be banned, the councillor said decisions around breed-specific restrictions should be guided by law and evidence rather than fear.

He echoed the views of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and the Pit Bull Federation of SA that a dog’s behaviour is largely shaped by how it is raised and cared for, and that strong breeds require responsible ownership, secure properties, and strict adherence to municipal regulations.

The SPCA has also called for an end to unregulated breeding by imposing mandatory sterilisation of these types of dogs.

Over recent years, several pit bull attacks have resulted in fatalities. Others have led to extremely serious injuries.

In April 2023, a five-year-old boy died after being mauled by two pit bulls as he made a 10-minute walk from his grandmother’s house to his mother’s home in the Eastern Cape.

In March 2023, an 88-year-old woman, Olga Grill, was mauled to death by a neighbour’s two pit bulls as she hung the washing out in her yard in Bonteheuwel. The dogs jumped over a fence between the properties.

In November 2022, three children were killed by pit bulls: a three-year-old boy in the Free State, a 15-month-old toddler in the Eastern Cape and an eight-year-old boy, also in the Free State.

Several countries have implemented nationwide bans or strict restrictions on pit bull-type dogs, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, due to safety concerns. This includes the United Kingdom, Canada (certain provinces), Denmark, Norway, France, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, and Venezuela.

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has responded to remarks by Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who claimed the agency had failed communities living along the N2 highway. 

The mayor’s comments come amid plans by the City to spend R114 million on its proposed “N2 Edge Project”, which includes constructing a security barrier along the stretch of road near the airport precinct. 

READ MORE: Mayor takes N2 ‘security wall’ pitch to communities amid backlash – Smile 90.4FM

There have been growing safety concerns because of crime, like smash-and-grab incidents, that frequently occur along or near that route.  

In a statement, SANRAL Western Cape’s Provincial Head, Randall Cable, said it had not been consulted about the proposed wall, reiterating its previous comment to SmileFM that the section of the road falls outside of its jurisdiction.  

 “SANRAL wishes to put it on record that it has to date not been engaged by the City of Cape Town on the proposed security wall planned for the N2. Although the N2 is a strategic important national road in the City of Cape Town, the N2 still falls under three different road authority jurisdictions,” said Cable. 

SANRAL clarified that different sections of the N2 fall under the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape Government, and SANRAL itself. 

SANRAL noted that the N2 from the city centre to the Raapenberg interchange (N2/M5) falls under the City of Cape Town jurisdiction; from the Raapenberg Interchange (N2/M5) to just before the Swartklip Interchange (N2/R300), including the Airport Approach Road, falls under the Western Cape Provincial Government (Department of Infrastructure); and from just before the Swartklip Interchange (N2/R300) eastwards to Somerset West falls under SANRAL’s jurisdiction. 

“Although this can be confusing, road authority jurisdictions are crucial for establishing clear responsibility for the planning, construction, maintenance, and safety of road users and infrastructure.”  

Cable, however, added that SANRAL does play a role in safety operations along the route, referring to the Western Cape’s Freeway Management System (FMS), which it executes. FMS provides daily monitoring of major freeways “to detect and respond to incidents on the freeways within the Metro” in Cape Town, the statement read. 

“The FMS personnel work closely with law enforcement to respond to all incidents, including stationary vehicles, crashes and criminal incidents, and focuses on known hotpots,” he said.