Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has urged the National Treasury to investigate serious allegations of procurement irregularities in the R285 million textbook contracts
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Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has formally requested the National Treasury to launch an investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities regarding textbooks for the Foundation Phase.
In a media statement released on Tuesday, Gwarube expressed “serious concern” following media reports detailing potential malfeasance within the department's procurement processes.
The request follows serious reports involving the awarding of contracts for Grades 1 to 3 learning materials. Central to the allegations is a newly formed entity, Lighthouse Publishers, which reportedly secured approximately 26% of the national catalogue approvals—a deal estimated to be worth over R285 million.
Concerns were raised after it emerged the company was registered just days after the tender’s terms of reference were released, sparking questions about the fairness of the selection process.
The minister emphasised that the integrity of these processes is paramount, noting that the delivery of quality educational materials to over 13.7 million learners across South Africa hangs in the balance.
"Any compromise in the integrity of textbook procurement directly threatens the ability of the education system to function effectively and undermines the constitutional right of every child to access basic education," Gwarube stated.
Gwarube confirmed she has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to request a formal intervention. She cited National Treasury’s role as the legal custodian of procurement compliance in South Africa as the primary reason for seeking their counsel before taking further internal steps.
The minister issued a stern warning to those who may be implicated in the alleged scheme, promising swift action should the Treasury investigation uncover evidence of wrongdoing.
"Should the investigation by Treasury uncover malfeasance, I will not hesitate to act," Gwarube said. "Any and all those implicated will be dealt with. I cannot allow the future of our children to be compromised by corrupt individuals."
The Department of Basic Education has not provided a specific timeline for the investigation.
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