Inside the WCED’s School Infrastructure Strategy: 32 New Schools and Counting

CAPE TOWN — As the Western Cape faces rising demand for quality education, the provincial government has unveiled an ambitious infrastructure plan to construct 55 new schools over the next five years. The initiative forms part of the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) broader strategy to modernize and expand schooling infrastructure in a rapidly growing region.

Salie Abrahams, Deputy Director-General for Education Planning, outlined the vision during a briefing to the provincial standing committee on education this week.

“Our long-term goal is to progressively improve school infrastructure so that schools can function optimally,” said Abrahams, emphasizing the importance of future-proofing the education system.

Over the past five years, the WCED has already delivered 32 new schools and replaced 16 others, reflecting a sustained effort to accommodate increasing learner numbers, particularly in urban and high-migration areas such as Cape Town, Paarl, and George.

In addition to new construction, the department continues to prioritize maintenance and upgrades of existing facilities to create safe, functional, and inclusive learning environments. These upgrades aim to mitigate issues such as overcrowding, dilapidated infrastructure, and resource shortages.

According to internal WCED projections, the province must build roughly 475 classrooms annually to keep pace with population growth and learner intake. “In our planning, we think we need to build 475 classrooms per year, and so for the last three years, we’ve been exceeding that self-set target,” Abrahams told the committee.

A key element of the infrastructure push is the expansion of Grade R classrooms, aligning with the national government’s plan to make Grade R compulsory by 2030. The department aims to integrate early childhood development more seamlessly into the school system, ensuring readiness for primary education.

The announcement of 55 new schools also signals the department’s intention to address systemic inequalities in access to education, particularly in under-resourced rural communities and informal settlements. Migration from other provinces has placed immense pressure on Western Cape schools, increasing the urgency for infrastructure development.

The department’s presentation to the committee was welcomed as a sign of ongoing transparency and accountability. Legislative oversight will continue, with regular reviews of project timelines, budget allocations, and school readiness expected.

With 32 schools already completed and more planned, the department appears on course to reshape the educational landscape of the province. The sustained rollout of classrooms and facilities gives hope to parents and communities eager for improved access to quality education.

As the Western Cape continues to attract families from across the country, the province’s proactive education infrastructure strategy may prove critical in ensuring every learner’s right to a safe, quality, and accessible education is realized.