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IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
WCED's infrastructure plans face criticism over teacher cuts and inequality
The WCED announced an infrastructure rollout to meet growing learner demand, but critics cite teacher cuts and inequality. Image: File The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said it was ramping up infrastructure investment to address growing learner numbers and financial constraints, as enrolment across provincial schools continues to rise. Speaking during a meeting of the Provincial Parliament's Standing Committee on Education this week, WCED officials said enrolment in public schools grew by 19% between 2015 and 2024, with an average annual increase of 2.3%. The department currently serves more than 1.3 million learners across 1,887 schools. According to the WCED, the increase in enrolment has been driven largely by in-migration from other provinces. Department officials said the growth had placed pressure on school infrastructure and staffing resources. Leon van Wyk, DA Western Cape spokesperson on education, said the department had maintained discipline in budget allocation despite rising costs. 'From 2022 to 2025, the WCED has kept employee compensation at a sustainable 71% to 72% of its budget — the lowest among major provinces,' said Van Wyk. 'This has allowed us to invest more in critical services like textbooks, learner transport, nutrition programmes, and infrastructure.' Van Wyk contrasted this with other provinces, stating that KwaZulu-Natal had spent over 83% of its education budget on salaries over four consecutive years, leaving less for other education needs. He said: 'To ensure every learner has a seat in a safe, functional classroom, we must continue to prioritise infrastructure spending. It's not optional — it's essential.' In response to infrastructure demand, the WCED has launched its Rapid School Build Programme, which is expected to deliver 26 new school projects over the next three years. According to the department, a further 290 new classrooms and 21 Grade R classrooms are also planned for the same period. The department said 59 school maintenance projects are currently under construction for the 2025/26 financial year, with an additional 26 projects in planning. Since 2021, the WCED has implemented LED lighting upgrades at 167 schools, installed solar PV systems at 91 schools, and completed fencing improvements at 167 schools. Van Wyk said the department's decisions were based on long-term planning and data, aimed at improving education infrastructure while keeping the system financially sustainable. However, ANC Western Cape leader of the opposition, Khalid Sayed, criticised the department's approach. In a statement, he said the DA's narrative 'attempts to spin the Western Cape Education Department's infrastructure crisis into a success story'. Sayed said: 'The WCED has had more than enough time to plan for the enrolment increase. Instead, what we have seen is delayed school builds, under-resourced township and rural schools, and an overreliance on rapid or modular builds.' He expressed concern over the department's budget focus, saying that the containment of wage costs resulted in fewer teachers and larger class sizes. Social service and educational organisation, Ilitha Labantu, also raised concerns about staffing reductions. The organisation cited figures from the WCED indicating that 2,407 teacher posts had been cut across the province as of January 1, 2025. It said these cuts took place in the context of a R3.8 billion projected shortfall in the education budget over the next three years. According to Ilitha Labantu, nearly 70% of the schools affected by the staff reductions were no-fee schools that serve township and vulnerable communities. The organisation said schools in areas such as Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain reported class sizes exceeding 50 learners per teacher. In a statement, Ilitha Labantu said: 'While the department promotes LED lighting, fencing upgrades, and solar installations at some schools, learners in township communities continue to endure unsafe, overcrowded, and dilapidated school infrastructure.' The organisation also raised safety concerns. It said school audits and public education monitoring had revealed that more than half of under-resourced schools in the province had experienced vandalism or theft, and only 47% had effective perimeter fencing. Ilitha Labantu cited recent incidents, including the abduction and rape of a 14-year-old learner in Langa, and the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old learner from Samora Machel while walking to school, as examples of the vulnerability learners face. Both the ANC and Ilitha Labantu called for the WCED to release a detailed breakdown of infrastructure and staffing backlogs by district. They also called for increased funding from the Department of Basic Education and the National Treasury to support staffing, infrastructure, and school safety in disadvantaged areas. [email protected]
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Concerns over Mantashe's changes to draft mineral resources bill
Mantashe's changes to mining legislation have provoked backlash for favouring the industry over public interest. Minerals and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe was lashed for omitting a requirement for Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) participation in applications for prospecting rights. Mantashe recently gazetted two corrections to the Draft Mineral Resources Development Bill and also nullified a provision for ministerial approval for change of control in listed companies that own mining rights. Mining expert David van Wyk asked why the minister backed down. Environmental concerns 'The prospecting companies make huge profits after prospecting reports are out. They sell the prospecting reports to the highest bidder. 'We have a serious problem with the change of control in listed companies. It is what ultimately allows mining companies to walk away from their environmental responsibilities and their responsibility to close and rehabilitate mines,' said Van Wyk. 'This is why we have more than 6 000 abandoned mines. When control of companies changes and the minister, as the custodian of the minerals which, according to the Act, belongs to the public, is not informed of these changes, he is unable to assign responsibility to the owners as he will not know who they are.' ALSO READ: 'Is it greed or jealousy?': Ramaphosa fires back at critics of BEE, Transformation Fund Call for state-led mining and revenue transparency The solution to the problems of environmental and social responsibility, as well as mine closure and rehabilitation, was to establish public ownership not just of the minerals in the ground, but also of the mining process and the extracted minerals, with the state as the custodian and the revenue accruing in a sovereign fund, Van Wyk said. South Africa does have a stateowned mining company and a sovereign fund, but the share of that company in the overall mining sector is minimal. There was no account of how much money has accrued in the sovereign fund since its inception, Van Wyk said. Christopher Rutledge, director at the Mining Affected Communities in Action, said the organisation was concerned. 'Pressure of elite interests' 'Following a mere signal of dissatisfaction from the mining sector, Mantashe swiftly amended the draft of the Bill, specifically the removal of the requirement for B-BBEE participation in prospecting rights and the omission of provisions for ministerial oversight of changes in control of listed companies holding rights. 'As we have previously warned, the main purpose of the Amendment Bill represents a further retreat from the constitutional mandate of transformation, accountability and justice for mining-affected communities. 'Rather than correcting the draft Bill, the minister has capitulated even further to the pressure of elite interests, in particular the Minerals Council South Africa, confirming the extent to which the state has aligned itself with industry over people.' Rutledge said the removal of BEE from the prospecting regime was not a technical correction, but a political decision to sell-out transformation. ALSO READ: Starlink proposal: Mashatile says Cabinet holds final say on policy changes Prospecting was the gateway to mining and excluding it from transformation requirements ensures the ownership and control of mineral resources remains concentrated in the hands of historical beneficiaries of apartheid-era privilege, he said. 'This opens the door to unchecked mergers, takeovers and asset stripping with no regard for affected communities, workers, or environmental responsibilities. We reject the illusion that deregulation is a form of reform,' Rutledge said. Industry engagements Union federation Cosatu spokesperson Mathews Parks said it was critical that legislation is in sync with B-BBEE to avoid contradictions. 'Cosatu will engage with the minister to get a better understanding of the objectives of the amendments.' Minerals Council South Africa Allan Seccombe said the organisation would continue to review the Bill and submit its perspectives by 13 August. 'The Bill in its current form does not encourage or sustain the growth and investment that the mining industry needs.' NOW READ: Cosatu says debate on B-BBEE is needed for beneciaries' benefit
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Thousands arrested in Operation Shanela crackdown
In one week, 13 915 suspects were arrested through the nationwide crackdown on crime, Operation Shanela. Among these, 190 suspects were arrested for rape – 89 of which were in KZN. National police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the arrests reaffirm SAPS' unwavering commitment to tackling gender-based violence, femicide, and sexual offences. ALSO READ: Rape suspect outsmarts police 'Police task teams deployed in eManguzi continue to deal decisively with those involved in cross-border crime. Just last week, the team arrested four suspects and recovered 19 stolen vehicles, including 11 bakkies, six SUVs, a minibus, and a sedan during an intelligence-driven operation.' Van Wyk said preliminary reports indicate seven vehicles were reportedly destined to cross the Kosi Bay border. 'The team strategically positioned themselves and successfully intercepted the stolen vehicles from the N2 to the R22. Four suspects were arrested, while some managed to evade arrest and fled the scene. 'One of the recovered vehicles was found with fraudulent documents and affidavits to allow the vehicles to cross the border,' she said. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
20 vehicles recovered at Kosi Bay border; latest incident linked to insurance fraud
The recovered vehicles were stolen in and around Durban Central, Durban North, Westville, Chatsworth, Pinetown and Umhlali. Police in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have arrested five smugglers and recovered 20 vehicles of different makes in the past few weeks. According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the recovered vehicles include 11 bakkies, seven SUVs, a minibus and a sedan. The recovered vehicles were stolen in and around Durban Central, Durban North, Westville, Chatsworth, Pinetown and Umhlali. ALSO READ: Foreign national nabbed after trying to smuggle R2m BMW into Zimbabwe In the latest takedown, the team followed up on information they received about a vehicle destined to cross the Kosi Bay border. It was successfully intercepted on Monday and a suspect found in possession of various fraudulent documents to cross the border was arrested. A preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect may be linked to vehicle insurance fraud. Investigations are ongoing. 'A national intervention was established involving Saps members from various disciplines that include crime intelligence, proactive and reactive policing units, and detectives to prevent and combat cross-border crimes along the northern border of KZN,' Van Wyk said. ALSO READ: SA border crisis: Police commissioner had to 'beg' for return of 70 stolen cars in another country 'The task team deployed in Emanguzi continues to deal decisively with those involved in cross-border crimes in the north of KwaZulu-Natal.' These identified cross-border crimes include theft of motor vehicles, house robberies, business robberies, hijacking of vehicles, murder and attempted murder. Vehicle theft In another incident, three men were arrested for possession of a suspected stolen vehicle in Mpumalanga on Thursday. The suspects, aged 20 to 23, were intercepted on the R575 road between Middelburg and Witbank while driving a white Ford Figo fitted with Mpumalanga registration plates. ALSO READ: Going nowhere slowly: Notorious hijacker, cross-border vehicle smuggler sentenced Upon verification, it was confirmed that the vehicle valued at R60 000 had been reported stolen to Middelburg SAPS. The suspects were immediately taken into police custody and charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle. They are expected to appear in the Middelburg Magistrate's Court on 17 June 2025. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing. On Wednesday, police in Mpumalanga recovered a hijacked truck and arrested a 36-year-old suspect at the Machado toll plaza on the N4 road. The vehicle had been significantly altered, fitted with Mozambique registration number plates and both the VIN and engine numbers had been tampered with. However, using verification and tracking systems, the truck was positively identified as the one reported to have been hijacked. The suspect was immediately arrested and charged with possession of a hijacked vehicle. READ NEXT: Lesufi links vehicles to crime as Gauteng launches new number plate system
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- The Citizen
Three arrested in one week for drug trafficking at OR Tambo Airport
A Nigerian, Brazilian and Ethiopian national were arrested for drug trafficking at the airport. Gauteng police have arrested three more suspects for drug trafficking at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg in just one week. On June 5, 2025, a 42-year-old Nigerian national was arrested on arrival from São Paulo, en route to Nigeria. Drug traffickers Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the drug trafficker landed at 7am when he was intercepted by police officers at the airport. 'A medical x-ray confirmed that he had ingested more than 70 drug 'bullets' suspected to contain cocaine'. Van Wyk on June 10, 2025, police officers intercepted a second drug trafficker shortly after she landed at 06:15am from São Paulo. 'During an inspection of the 30-year-old Brazilian national's luggage she indicated she had ingested more than 100 cocaine-filled 'bullets' which was later confirmed by a medical x-ray'. Picture: Saps ALSO READ: Police arrest Nigerian drug mule at OR Tambo International Airport Ethiopian Later the same day, police intercepted a 57-year-old Ethiopian national at the airport's check-in counter before he could board a flight out of the country. Van Wyk said a search of the suspect's luggage uncovered more than 90 kilograms of Khat. 'All three suspects were arrested and expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court on charges of drug trafficking'. Van Wyk added that through targeted intelligence-driven operations, Saps has intercepted more than 23 drug traffickers at OR Tambo International Airport in the past six months. Picture: Saps Brazilian Last month, a Brazilian national was arrested after being caught with cocaine worth an estimated street value of R1.4 million strapped to his legs. The 39-year-old man was handcuffed by officers at OR Tambo International Airport after arriving from São Paulo. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the drug mule was in transit to Benin when he was intercepted by officers at the airport. 'He was pulled aside and during a body search, cocaine was found wrapped around his legs. He has been arrested and is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on a charge of drug trafficking'. Picture: Saps 'SA key transit point for drugs' The recent spate of drug mule arrests at OR Tambo International Airport reignited debate about South Africa's role as a key transit point for international drug syndicates. In December 2024, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) crime expert Willem Els told The Citizen that drug trafficking is one of the most visible transnational organised crimes perpetrated by international organised criminal groups. 'The organised crime syndicates facilitating these activities are feeding off each other. If one syndicate moves in, others follow, creating a criminal environment.' Why OR Tambo International Airport? Els outlined how South Africa, and specifically OR Tambo International Airport, had become a key transit point for cocaine, particularly on its only direct flight from São Paulo to Johannesburg. 'This route explains why more individuals arrested come from South America and Brazil, specifically. It's lucrative and has been exploited for a long time by drug couriers. 'In recent months, there's been excellent cooperation between the Brazilian federal police and the South African police, which has contributed to many successes along that route,' Els said. ALSO READ: Gauteng man arrested for transporting crystal meth worth R50m
