Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has requested the National Treasury to investigate alleged irregularities in the procurement of foundation phase textbooks, amid concerns over transparency and fairness in the process.
In a statement, Gwarube said she was alarmed by reports highlighting possible procurement issues, warning that the matter could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s education system.
“These allegations are gravely concerning. At stake is the delivery of quality education materials to over 13.7 million learners across South Africa,” Gwarube said.
According to reports, Lighthouse Publishers was registered just three days after the terms of reference for the foundation phase national catalogue were issued. The company was subsequently awarded 26 percent of the total approvals for textbooks for Grades 1 to 3, with the contract estimated to be worth more than R285 million.
Gwarube confirmed that she has formally approached Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to intervene.
“It is for that reason that I have written to the Minister of Finance, requesting the National Treasury to investigate these allegations. The National Treasury is the legal custodian of procurement compliance,” she said.
She added that decisive action would follow should wrongdoing be uncovered.
“Should the investigation by Treasury uncover malfeasance, I will not hesitate to act. Any and all those implicated will be dealt with,” Gwarube said.
Department spokesperson Lukhanyo Vangqa reiterated that Treasury would guide the process, as scrutiny intensifies over the integrity of textbook procurement.
Photo: X/@Siviwe_G
