The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is set to revolutionise its service delivery mechanisms by emulating the successful digital transformation programme of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Cape {town} Etc reports.
This initiative comes in light of a recent engagement on 27 October 2026, where key stakeholders from both departments convened to exchange insights on leveraging technology for improved efficiency and service accessibility.
Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, alongside DHA Director-General Tommy Makhode, shared noteworthy lessons with Western Cape Minister of Education, Jaco Londt, and WCED Head Brent Walters.
The engagement attracted over 200 officials, including members of the WCED management structures, who gathered to explore the innovative strategies that have propelled the DHA’s transformation.
During the meeting, Schreiber highlighted the successful deployment of digital systems that replaced age-old, paper-based processes. ‘The success of our Home Affairs @ home reforms, including the expansion of access to over 1 000 service points and the processing of more than one million Smart ID Card applications through our banking partnerships in just seven months, demonstrates what is possible when government embraces digital transformation,’ he said.
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Schreiber emphasised the importance of sharing the DHA’s fruitful experiences with the WCED. He stated, ‘The benefits of technology-driven, efficient and dignified public services should extend across government,’
Meanwhile, Brent Walters of the WCED expressed optimism about incorporating the lessons learnt into their operations.
He remarked, ‘Today’s engagement was a valuable opportunity to learn from the Department of Home Affairs’ digital transformation journey. The digitalisation of services demonstrates how technology can make government more efficient, accessible and responsive,’
Walters noted that the WCED is eager to explore how innovation can simplify processes, enhance systems and ultimately provide superior service to schools, educators, parents, and learners.
Adding to this, Londt commented on the significant role of innovation in public services, stating that the transformation at Home Affairs exemplifies what is achievable when government prioritises the needs of its residents.
He affirmed, ‘The WCED is already doing good work, but there is always room to improve. By learning from the practical experience of Minister Schreiber and his team, we can identify opportunities to reduce administrative burdens on our staff and ultimately deliver better services to our schools, teachers and learners. Our goal is a modern, responsive education department where technology reduces paperwork and allows officials to focus on quality education,’
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Picture: WCED
