In the face of a significant surge in student enrollment over the last five years, the Western Cape Government undertook ambitious plans to address the demand for school placement. March 2023 witnessed the passing of the province's largest-ever education budget, amounting to R2.9 billion, with a focus on constructing 21 new schools and adding 289 classrooms to existing schools.

Despite these efforts, a fiscal emergency unfolded in June 2023 when the National Treasury signaled substantial cuts to provincial funding. The resultant budgetary uncertainty forced an immediate halt to the infrastructure plans, leaving the government unable to proceed with essential projects. Official confirmation revealed that the Western Cape Education Department would only receive 64% of the funds owed, equating to a shortfall of R537 million.

Provinces have effectively no control over their own budgets, and the Western Cape only raises around 3% of their own revenue, largely from gambling taxes and speeding fines. The rest is distributed from national funds by the Treasury.

Confronted with this fiscal challenge, the Western Cape Government declared an inter-governmental dispute with the national government to secure adequate funding for the negotiated public service wage increase. Simultaneously, the Department of Basic Education executed cuts to conditional grants, amounting to R179.4 million across various programs, exacerbating the financial strain on education infrastructure.

The budget cuts, particularly devastating as they were enacted within the current financial year, amount to a staggering R716.4 million, impacting the province's ability to construct and maintain schools, as well as remunerate teachers. A specific infrastructure budget cut of R248 million heightens concerns, occurring precisely when the demand for school placement is at its peak.

Undeterred by these challenges, the Western Cape Education Department remains committed to expanding access to education. Plans include the construction of nine new schools and 496 additional classrooms for the 2024 academic year, albeit with a revised budget reflecting more than double the average annual construction pre-2022.

Despite the ongoing battle against disruptions, exemplified by legal actions against those interfering with construction sites, the department faces additional hurdles such as delays caused by budget uncertainties. The government, however, pledges to navigate these challenges with the support of school communities, officials, contractors, and local government partners.

As of November 22, 2023, the department has allocated places for 98.7% of learners who applied for Grade 1 and 8 in the 2024 school year. Efforts are underway to place the remaining 1.3%, including late applicants, despite the stressful period for parents. The department urges patience, especially for extremely late applications, emphasizing the full capacity of Western Cape schools.