IN CONVERSATION WITH LUKHANYO VANGQA, BASIC EDUCATION MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER
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The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has raised serious
concerns following media reports alleging irregularities in the procurement of
textbooks for the foundation phase. These allegations are particularly
troubling given the scale of impact, as the provision of learning materials
affects more than 13.7 million learners across South Africa. Any disruption
or compromise in this process poses a direct threat to the effective
functioning of the education system and undermines learners’ constitutional
right to access basic education.
In response, Minister Gwarube has formally written to the Minister of
Finance, Enoch Godongwana, requesting that the National Treasury
investigate the claims. As the legal authority responsible for overseeing
procurement compliance, the National Treasury is best positioned to assess
whether due processes were followed.
The Minister has indicated that she is awaiting guidance from the Treasury
before taking further action. However, she has made it clear that should any
wrongdoing be uncovered, decisive steps will be taken against those
implicated, underscoring a firm stance against corruption in matters affecting
the country’s education system.
concerns following media reports alleging irregularities in the procurement of
textbooks for the foundation phase. These allegations are particularly
troubling given the scale of impact, as the provision of learning materials
affects more than 13.7 million learners across South Africa. Any disruption
or compromise in this process poses a direct threat to the effective
functioning of the education system and undermines learners’ constitutional
right to access basic education.
In response, Minister Gwarube has formally written to the Minister of
Finance, Enoch Godongwana, requesting that the National Treasury
investigate the claims. As the legal authority responsible for overseeing
procurement compliance, the National Treasury is best positioned to assess
whether due processes were followed.
The Minister has indicated that she is awaiting guidance from the Treasury
before taking further action. However, she has made it clear that should any
wrongdoing be uncovered, decisive steps will be taken against those
implicated, underscoring a firm stance against corruption in matters affecting
the country’s education system.
