Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube.
Image: Basic Education Department / X
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has requested Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana initiate an investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement of textbooks for South Africa’s foundation phase.
The move follows media reports about possible breaches in the procurement process. The tender in question is said to be to the tune of R1.6 billion.
The tender has been issued to strengthen the department’s foundations for the learning campaign, which was launched last year to improve South African children’s dismal literacy and numeracy skills.
The company, Lighthouse Publishers (Pty) Ltd, was awarded over a quarter (26%) of the total approvals for the publishing of textbooks for Grade 1 to 3 pupils across the country, despite allegedly being registered days before the formal briefing on the contract requirements.
A total of 6 385 titles submitted by 19 publishers were approved for publishing, with the total cost of the orders estimated at R1.6 billion.
The contract specified the production of textbooks for learners in Grades 1 to 3 and learning materials for the Department of Education.
Lighthouse Publishers, which would stand to make over R285-million, has denied anything untoward in the procurement process.
In a statement yesterday, Gwarube said she had taken note of the allegations “with serious concern,” warning that any compromise in procurement systems could have far-reaching consequences for the education sector.
“At stake is the delivery of quality education materials to over 13.7 million learners across South Africa,” she said. “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.”
The Minister confirmed that she had written to the National Treasury, through Godongwana, requesting a formal investigation. She emphasised that the Treasury, as the legal authority overseeing public procurement compliance, is best positioned to assess the validity and extent of the allegations.
“It is for that reason that I have written to Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, requesting the National Treasury to investigate these allegations,” Gwarube said. “Before taking any further steps, I am seeking advice from the National Treasury.”
Gwarube also issued a clear warning that accountability would follow should wrongdoing be confirmed.
“Should the investigation by Treasury uncover malfeasance, I will not hesitate to act,” she said. “Any and all those implicated will be dealt with.”
The textbook procurement system has long been a critical component of South Africa’s public education infrastructure, ensuring that learners, particularly in under-resourced schools, have access to essential learning materials at the start of each academic year.
Any disruption or corruption within this system risks delays, shortages, and unequal access, which can significantly impact teaching and learning outcomes.
Gwarube underscored the broader implications, framing the issue not only as a matter of governance but as a direct threat to learners’ futures.
“I cannot allow the future of our children to be compromised by corrupt individuals,” she said.
The National Treasury has yet to indicate when or how it will proceed with the requested investigation.
ActionSA echoed calls for an investigation, warning that any corruption in the education sector undermined the quality of learning.
“ActionSA calls on the Department of Basic Education and National Treasury to move with urgency to establish the full facts and ensure there is no doubt that this contract was awarded lawfully, transparently and in the best interests of millions of learners,” it said.
Cape Times