As the 2025 academic year comes to an end tomorrow, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is urging parents to report any schools that threaten to withhold report cards over unpaid fees.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond emphasises that schools can request that parents collect the report cards to discuss outstanding fees and payment arrangements.

“If parents are still being told that they have to settle accounts before getting report cards, they can contact the school district directly. We would like parents to settle their fees, if possible, as this does assist schools with operational costs. Learners are also advised to return all textbooks.”

Education MEC David Maynier reflected on a challenging yet successful year. He highlighted the #BackOnTrack programme, which helped recover up to 205 learning days lost during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This year, the programme provided extra classes to 23 450 learners and additional training to 2 483 teachers. Around 21 700 matric learners attended Winter School in July to improve their chances of passing and advancing to further studies.”

He also noted a new structured Mathematics intervention for Foundation Phase learners, which trained Grade 1 teachers in 70 schools and supplied Maths kits and workbooks. The programme will expand to Grades 2 and 3 next year.

“Significant progress was also made in school infrastructure. The Rapid School Build programme has delivered new schools and classrooms at a fast pace, while private sector investments, supported by Edu Invest and Wesgro, are helping establish new independent schools. Together, these efforts are expanding access to education across the province.”

Maynier urged communities to help protect schools during the holiday period.

“While 439 high-risk schools receive holiday security, the public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to SAPS to safeguard school property.”