By Thapelo Molefe
Education took centre stage during Premier Alan Winde’s 2026 State of the Province Address on Wednesday night, where he presented improved early-grade test scores, record matric results, and expanded school infrastructure as evidence of progress in the province.
“Education is the key to independence, economic inclusion and employment,” Winde said during his address in George.
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The Premier cited results from the province’s 2025 systemic tests, written by more than 91,000 Grade 3 learners. According to the figures presented, the mathematics pass rate has increased from 44.3% in 2021 to 62% in 2025. Language pass rates rose from 36.9% to 51.2% over the same period.
“They achieved their highest results ever,” Winde said.
According to the Premier, these gains come after the introduction of a structured language programme in all primary schools since 2024. Teachers in Grades 1 to 3 were trained in the science of reading, and additional time was allocated to reading and mathematics during the school day.
“Teachers in Grades 1 to 3 were trained in the science of reading, and teacher and learner support materials were provided to all our schools,” he said.
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Winde said the province is “bucking this trend through innovation and agility,” referring to the national literacy crisis. He added that the #BackOnTrack programme, which provides additional academic support, “is working, which will keep more children in school and out of a life of poverty.”
Infrastructure expansion has accompanied the academic interventions. Nine new schools opened in the past year in high-demand areas in Cape Town and along the Garden Route, and 15 more are under construction. Ahead of the 2026 school year, 175 new classrooms have been added to existing schools.
“We are building schools faster than most other provinces combined,” Winde said.
The Western Cape Education Department has set aside R1.5 billion this year for new schools and classroom construction. The province now has just under 1,500 schools, with enrolment continuing to grow as families move to the province.
School nutrition remains a significant part of the education strategy. More than 550,000 learners receive a free meal each school day.
“A learner with a full stomach is more likely to stay in school,” Winde said.
At the end of the schooling system, the province recorded its highest-ever matric pass rate in 2025 at 88.2%, alongside a bachelor’s pass rate of 49.2%.
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“Our Matrics did us proud once again,” Winde said. Learners with special education needs achieved a 91.9% pass rate.
The Premier also highlighted the Khulisa Care pilot programme, which provides nutritional support to undernourished pregnant women and mothers of low-birth-weight babies. He said early intervention is necessary because malnutrition and stunting are linked to poorer educational outcomes later in life.
“When children begin life with strong foundations of nutrition, stimulation and care, they have a much better chance of succeeding at school and into adulthood,” he said.
