R127 million boost for technical schools in the Western Cape

R127 million boost for technical schools in the Western Cape

26 October 2026

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) launched its new Technical Schools Revitalisation Programme at Bellville Technical High School on 22 October 2026. The programme is backed by an investment of R127 million.

Implemented in partnership with Certify Academy, part of the CAD4ALL Institute of Architecture and Digital Arts, the programme equips learners with practical, hands-on skills sought by employers, giving them the opportunity to leave school with more than just a matric certificate.

The programme is currently being rolled out at six schools: Proteus Secondary School, Joe Slovo Technical High School, Bellville Technical High School, Eden Technical High School, Oude Molen Technical High School and Drostdy Technical High School.

A total of 2 390 Grade 10 learners, 2 499 Grade 11 learners, 1 810 matric learners and 137 teachers are currently participating in the programme.

Western Cape Minister of Education Jaco Londt said technical education provides learners with a direct pathway from the classroom to employment, entrepreneurship or further technical studies. “When our learners succeed, businesses gain access to better skills, communities become more resilient, and the economy grows. Everyone benefits.”

Premier Alan Winde highlighted the programme’s potential contribution to addressing youth unemployment. “This programme will also help us address the challenge of youth unemployment. We will keep investing in equipping more young people with the skills they need to thrive in our economy.”

The programme will run for three years, with the first group of participating learners expected to complete matric in 2028.