WCED allocates R5 million to combat school vandalism during holidays

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said that it will spend more than R5 million to curb vandalism and crime at schools in the province during the holiday period.

Statistics show more than 840 incidents of crime, vandalism and theft were reported at schools in the province during the first three terms of 2025, resulting in repairs exceeding R5 million.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has since welcomed the department's expenditure.

DA Western Cape Education Spokesperson Peter Johnson said that the province's education department's intervention to curb crime and vandalism at schools is critical.

Johnson said that the R5 million plan includes 24-hour security at high-risk schools, among other measures.

"Working with the SAPS, deploying 82 school resource officers with the City of Cape Town, and partnering with communities focuses on prevention, visibility and protection."  

Johnson said that the plan will ensure more money is spent on education and less on repairing vandalised schools.