Education

11. (a) The estimated cost of vandalism is R281,300.81.
(b) (i) A total of 36 incidents of burglary and vandalism were reported at 32 schools, with 3 schools experiencing multiple incidents. 22 schools have provided the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) with South African Police Service (SAPS) case numbers.
(ii) Schools report incidents of burglary and vandalism to their local SAPS for investigation. Updates on the status of each case would need to be obtained from SAPS who are the investigating authority.
(c) (i) The WCED manages emergency repair needs through the School Emergency Maintenance Management Information System (SEMMIS), an online platform implemented for reporting and processing emergency maintenance cases.
Through SEMMIS, schools submit verified reports of damage, which are then evaluated by the Infrastructure Directorate to determine the appropriate response — including immediate stabilisation, contractor deployment, or scheduling within planned maintenance programmes. This system ensures that the WCED is able to monitor, plan, and coordinate restoration work efficiently and transparently.
Schools are also required to use their Norms and Standards (N&S) allocations for emergency repairs valued at under R10 000, ensuring that minor works can be attended to without delay while larger structural repairs are handled centrally.
(ii) Budget allocations for emergency and major repairs are managed through the WCED’s Infrastructure Directorate as part of its overall annual infrastructure budget. Smaller emergency repairs under R10 000 are funded through the school’s Norms and Standards funding. Larger repairs, including structural damage, roof replacement, fencing, or electrical works, are funded through the provincial infrastructure programme, which prioritises emergency cases logged through SEMMIS.
(d) Holiday security subsidies:
The WCED provides funding for holiday security subsidies at selected schools deemed high-risk. This programme offers 12-hour, 24-hour security, and cluster patrols to selected schools, especially those in high-risk areas.
In December 2025, 441 schools received a subsidy for holiday security.
Security infrastructure:
Schools receive essential security features, including:
• an alarm system connected to armed response
• burglar bars/stone guards
• security gates
• automation of pedestrian and vehicular access gates
• repairs to fencing – up to 35 running meters
Whole of Society Approach:
Schools are encouraged to coordinate with their local police station for regular visible police patrols. Armed response companies are also urged to increase their patrols, as the presence of law enforcement is a strong deterrent to potential intruders.
The WCED stresses the importance of community vigilance in safeguarding schools. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activities to the SAPS and the Safe Schools hotline at 0800 45 46 47.
While the WCED has implemented comprehensive measures to secure school properties during holidays, the success of these efforts depends on a variety of factors, including community involvement and the effectiveness of local law enforcement agencies in addressing evolving security threats.