WCED: 46 schools in high-risk areas broken into, vandalised over winter holiday

CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Education Department said that 46 schools in high-risk areas were broken into and vandalised over the winter school holiday period.

This is despite the department subsiding more than 400 schools with additional security for the holidays.

Building fixtures, electrical wiring, cooking facilities, sports equipment, and computers were among the items damaged or stolen.

"This is a significant increase from the same period in 2024. The estimated cost for repairing or replacing damaged and stolen items is over a million rand, which is unacceptable in the difficult financial circumstances this sector currently faces," said the Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier.