11 August 2025
SADTU Western Cape Media Statement on Post Provisioning for 2026
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union Western Cape (SADTU) is outraged by the WCED for declaring a zero increase in the basket of posts for 2026. This follows consultation meetings with the MEC (Mr. David Maynier) on 23 July 2025, where the 2026 post basket was declared, and with the HOD (Mr Brent Walters) 6 August 2025 where the basket of posts were distributed.
During this consultation with the HOD, two options were tabled for consideration. Option One would involve further declaration of excess educators in 2026 and redeployment to other schools. As a union we could not consider the possibility of repeating the exercise of creating further instability to the system. All unions accepted Option Two, which is maintenance of the status quo, and would bring more stability to the system.
The total amount of educators will stay at 35 934 for 2026 and the implications on the pupil teacher ratios is as follows:
- The Primary school ratio will stay at 1:35
- The Secondary school ratio will remain at 1:37
- The System ratio will remain at 1:36
The current situation has already placed pressure on school governing bodies, and it will further strain their budgets as they are compelled to provide funding for the additional posts in 2026.
SADTU reiterates that more posts could be provided had the employer listened to the union on the reviewal of the Annual Systemic Evaluations and the Back on Track program.
Grade R: The employer committed to the universalization of Grade R by ensuring that Grade R forms part of the educator staff establishment for 2026, though funded from a separate source. There is further assurance that whenever Grade R practitioners successfully upgrade their qualifications, they will assume the status of qualified teachers with all benefits.
Substitutes: These will only be available for educators who take maternity leave, long term PILIR leave, as well as substitutes for suspended educators.
The post establishment circular will reach ordinary public and special schools by 29 August 2025.