Basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube has requested finance minister Enoch Godongwana to initiate an investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement of foundation phase textbooks.
In a statement issued by her spokesperson, Lukhanyo Vangqa, the minister confirmed that she has written to the National Treasury to assess claims of possible non-compliance in the textbook procurement process.
“These allegations are gravely concerning. At stake is the delivery of quality education materials to over 13.7-million learners across South Africa,” Vangqa said.
The development follows a report by News24, which alleged that Lighthouse Publishers was registered just days after the terms of reference for the foundation phase national catalogue were released.
According to the report, Lighthouse Publishers’ directors include Georgia Groome (49%) and Michale Kasango Mugoya (51%), while Groome’s mother, Penelope, is reportedly listed as the senior development manager.
They then secured the majority of approvals to produce new materials for grades 1 to 3. The report indicated that the company could earn more than R285-million from the contract.
Department threatens actions
“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.
“It is for that reason that the minister has written to the minister of finance requesting the national treasury to investigate these allegations,” he added.
He added that the department would await guidance before taking further steps but warned that action would follow if wrongdoing were confirmed.
“Should the investigation by Treasury uncover malfeasance, the minister will not hesitate to act. Any and all those implicated will be dealt with,” Vangqa said.
The department said ensuring the reliable delivery of textbooks remains essential to the education system and stressed that it would act to prevent any compromise to the quality of learning provided to pupils.
The books are meant to replace those issued in 2012 and are to be used in schools starting in 2027.
- Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has asked Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to investigate alleged irregularities in the procurement of foundation phase textbooks.
- Allegations include Lighthouse Publishers being registered shortly after the tender terms were released and securing major contracts worth over R285 million.
- Concerns focus on the integrity of the procurement process and its impact on delivering quality education materials to 13.7 million South African learners.
- The department warns that any confirmed wrongdoing will lead to decisive action against those implicated.
- The new textbooks, aimed at replacing 2012 editions, are scheduled for use in schools starting in 2027.
Basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube has requested finance minister Enoch
In a statement issued by her spokesperson,
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“It is for that reason that the minister has written to the minister of finance requesting the national treasury to investigate these allegations,” he added.
He added that the department would await guidance before taking further steps but warned that action would follow if wrongdoing were confirmed.
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