The Western Cape’s plan to cut teacher posts came under scrutiny in Parliament on Tuesday. Graphic: Lisa Nelson – This post was first published on GroundUp
By Tori Newby “We’re not retrenching teachers. We’re reducing posts,” says WCED head
IN SUMMARY:
- Western Cape Education Department (WCED) faces criticism: The WCED’s plan to reduce teaching posts was scrutinized in Parliament, especially by the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education.
- Reason for reduction:
- The WCED announced a 2,407 teacher post reduction for 2025 due to a R3.8-billion budget shortfall over the next three years.
- Clarification on reduction:
- WCED Head of Department Brent Walters clarified that this is a reduction, not retrenchment.
- Quote: “We’re not retrenching teachers. We’re reducing posts. I think that’s a very big difference between these two things.”
- Temporary teacher contracts expiring in December will not be renewed.
- Notification to schools:
- Affected schools have been informed of their post losses and have until 15 November to choose which posts they will forfeit.
- Budget considerations:
- Walters explained that the WCED reviewed all expenditure items and that salary costs had to be adjusted to avoid overspending.
- Quote: “When you have large cuts to your budget, you’re going to have to go to your salaries, otherwise you’re going to overspend.”
- Criticism from committee chairperson:
- Chairperson Khomotjo Maimela questioned why the Western Cape is the only province reducing teacher posts, despite budget cuts in other provinces.
- Maimela expressed concern that township schools, already overcrowded, would suffer most, implying the WCED’s approach is not “pro-poor”.
- Quote: “I’m saying, you are literally now compromising the provision of quality of education for the poor learners in the province. And you are doing it deliberately.”
- Written response requested: Maimela requested a detailed written response from the WCED within seven days, explaining how the post reductions would be implemented.
- Northern Cape’s approach:
- Despite a R358-million shortfall, the Northern Cape Education Department has decided not to reduce teacher posts.
- MEC Abraham Vosloo stated that 663 teachers’ posts are at risk but that the department is exploring other budget cuts.
- Quote: “For us to retrench these teachers would be devastating to the Northern Cape.”
- Awaiting additional funding:
- The medium-term budget is expected to be tabled on Wednesday.
- Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier hopes the Minister of Finance will announce additional support for education during this session.
