Western Cape appoints over 1 000 new teachers

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says he’s happy with the work that the provincial Department of Education has done to prepare for the 2023 school year.

1.2 million learners in the province have returned to school today.

This comes as schools in coastal provinces start the academic year.

Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier says 99.2% of learners in grade one and eight have been placed at schools for this year.

Winde says more teachers have also been appointed.

“Normally at the start of the year we’d probably have between 300 and 500 more teachers. We’ve got 1 143 more teachers this year and 840 new classrooms, so we’re really happy. We’re pushing the boundaries really hard because of the growth. It’s always great to be at schools and I want to wish every learner, all 1.2 million learners in our province all the very best for this year.”

Zainub Samuels, a mother of two learners at Starling Primary School in Athlone which the premier visited, says she feels nervous about her children starting school.

“I’m nervous. I’m a mother of four so I have these two and I also have twins who also started on Monday, but I’m nervous for them for their journey into the new things, but also excited because I’m giving my kids what I never had, so it’s very heart warming,” adds Samuels.

The first day of school is well underway in the Western Cape! Premier @alanwinde & WC Minister of Education @DavidMaynier visited Starling PS this morning to wish the learners a successful 2023 school year! #BackToSchool pic.twitter.com/YpjNCFMLQX

— WCEDNews (@WCEDnews) January 18, 2023

Video: Western Cape welcomes over a million pupils