Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier has again defended the decision to cut 2,407 teacher posts, outlining the severe financial constraints that his Department is facing.

Speaking in the provincial parliament on Friday, during the 2024/25 Education Adjustment Budget speech, Maynier spoke about the measures the department took to mitigate the massive budget shortfall and the challenging decisions the Department had to make.

The WCED was dealt a severe blow after the national government provided only 64% of the funding needed for the 2023 public sector wage agreement, resulting in an R537 million shortfall.

This was exacerbated by an R179.4 million cut to conditional grants, leading to a total funding gap of R716.4 million.

To minimize the impact, Maynier said the WCED implemented cost-saving measures, including freezing 21% of public service posts at Head and District Offices, cutting R2.5 billion from the non-personnel budget, halting most substitute teacher appointments, and converting contract posts to permanent ones.

However, these efforts fell short, leaving a projected R3.8 billion deficit over three years, forcing the department to cut teaching posts.

The department then received an additional R250 million from the provincial Treasury’s adjusted budget to close the gap.

However, the MEC says this allocation, along with the R600 million unallocated from infrastructure funding, must be used for essential projects, and cannot be used to save teacher posts.

There was some initial public confusion about whether some teacher posts could be spared after Finance MEC Deidre Baartman unveiled the province’s 2024/25 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) and Adjustment Estimates on November 26.

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Maynier has now clarified that this additional funding will be used to complete infrastructure such as nine new schools and 265 classrooms, which will accommodate growing learner numbers in the 2025 school year.

Funds are also earmarked for ongoing projects, including special needs facilities, to ensure minimal disruption in service delivery.

Maynier has acknowledged the increased pressure on schools, teachers, and classrooms, which could impact learning outcomes.

Increasing pressure on admissions is part of the story.

As of December 4, 2024, the department had placed 97% of applicants for Grades 1 and 8 in 2025 but still needed to allocate seats for 3,698 learners. Additionally, around 4,000 late applications are expected in January.

Maynier warned, “Western Cape schools are full, and parents submitting new applications may not see placements finalized until the end of the first term.”

He called for public understanding as the WCED grapples with these difficulties.

“I want to assure everyone that we will continue to fight for our teachers and for quality education in the Western Cape.”