While news of a brand-new school in the pipeline for Somerset West was announced by council, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has clapped back, communicating that it is yet to give the go-ahead for the proposed development.
The project to develop a much-needed high school in the Steynsrust area was made public in a recent issue of the Ward 15 newsletter, which also divulged that the proposed educational institution is to be named Somerset West High School. The bulletin from the desk of Ward 15 councillor Gregory Peck further disclosed that construction was set to commence this year, with the Grade 8 class and learner intake scheduled to begin in 2026. Each subsequent year an additional grade is to be added.
“It will be a Model-C STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) school. Once completed, the capacity will be just over 1 200 learners in 30 classrooms,” the newsletter stated.
In the newsletter Peck also announced that approval for the proposed development was finally received from the WCED after numerous requests over the years.
However, on enquiry, departmental spokesperson Bronagh Hammond revealed that the department is currently conducting preparatory work on proposed plans for the new high school. “This is part of the planning process, but it does not necessarily mean there’ll be a new school in the next few years.”
Hammond further explained there are several new school proposals that are undergoing the same internal processes to determine needs, costs and demand in various areas.
“Any new school going forward is therefore budget-dependent. We cannot commit to a new school at this stage, but community engagement is part of the research process.”
Hammond also said that the proposed school will not be ready by next year, regardless of the decision on whether to proceed with the particular school-build project, or not.
“While we would love to commit to this project, and many more new school-build projects, at this stage, we are cognisant of the financial realities we face as a result of national fiscal challenges. We will announce any plans to build a new school once a final decision is made.”
Hammond further pointed out that the term “Model C school” no longer applied today. These schools were semi-private institutions partially funded by the government, known for their autonomy and high educational standards. “This category existed before the amalgamation of ex-departments in 1995,” Hammond explained. “Now, all new schools operate under the WCED.”
However, Peck maintained that the school build is imminent. “It is going to happen,” said Peck, referring to a recent meeting with Member of Provincial Legislature Benedicta van Minnen and WCED officials during which approval was confirmed.
While he acknowledges that the news was the WCED’s to share in an official statement, he explained that it was too “great” not to communicate with the community. “I have seen the plans. A contractor has been appointed. Unless a major disaster occurs to derail the plans, the project is going ahead.”
Peck invited all interested community members to an information session, with WCED officials in attendance, at the proposed site earmarked for the school-build at an open parcel of land above the dam along Steynsrust Road at 17:30 on Thursday 13 February.
Asked to comment on the current status of the construction of the multimillion-rand Sir Lowry’s Pass High School, brought to a standstill following a labour dispute, with no progress for the last year, Hammond said a contractor was still to be appointed.
