wced-app-2025-2026

Summary

This document presents the Western Cape Education Department's (WCED) Annual Performance Plan for 2025/2026, which articulates the department’s commitment to providing quality education by focusing on strengthening foundational learning and improving overall learner outcomes. The plan incorporates a situational analysis of the rapidly growing Western Cape population and addresses the persistent challenge of socioeconomic inequality reflected in the Gini coefficient data. Significant attention is given to adhering to relevant court rulings, compelling the revision of admission policies to ensure undocumented learners and those who apply late are not discriminated against. Key strategic investments include expanding digital inclusion through the e-Learning strategy (e.g., SMART classrooms) and tackling infrastructure demands by prioritising energy resilience through solutions like solar power. Furthermore, the WCED details its commitment to expanding inclusive education support and addressing high rates of school crime incidents, particularly within metro districts.