MK Party MP Siphetho Mkhize has called for an urgent parliamentary meeting to be held over allegations of irregularities in a billion-rand textbook printing tender awarded by the Department of Basic Education.
In correspondence dated April 29, sent to basic education portfolio committee chairperson Joy Maimela, Mkhize urged the committee to summon Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube to account for the procurement process.
Suspicions around issuing of tender
The controversy centres on claims that a contract estimated at R1.6-billion, intended to supply printed learning materials to roughly 13.7-million pupils, was conveniently registered just in time to bid for the tender.
The books are meant to replace those issued in 2012 and are to be used in schools starting in 2027.
Was Lighthouse Publishers favoured?
The company which secured the tender, 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.
Mkhize believes the situation warrants immediate scrutiny.
“The committee must urgently require the minister to present a full report on the circumstances surrounding this tender,” he stated.
He emphasised that Parliament has a duty to intervene without delay, adding that “timely engagement will allow members to assess the credibility of the allegations and determine appropriate next steps.”
Accountability and openness ‘essential’
Citing the legislature’s constitutional role, Mkhize noted that “oversight mechanisms exist to ensure that public resources are managed lawfully and in the best interests of citizens”.
He further highlighted the broader implications for governance, saying that “accountability and openness in procurement are essential to safeguarding the integrity of the education system”.
The minister has previously acknowledged public concern around the tender but has yet to confirm whether she will appear before the committee as requested.
The department has, however, indicated that Gwarube has requested Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to initiate an investigation into alleged irregularities.
- MK Party MP Siphetho Mkhize has called for an urgent parliamentary meeting to probe alleged irregularities in a R1.6-billion textbook printing tender awarded by the Department of Basic Education.
- The tender, intended to supply textbooks for 13.7 million pupils starting in 2027, was awarded to Lighthouse Publishers, a company registered only days after the tender terms were released.
- Lighthouse Publishers’ directors include Georgia Groome and Michale Kasango Mugoya, with Groome’s mother listed as a senior manager, raising concerns about the fairness of the bidding process.
- Mkhize demands Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube provide a full report on the procurement and stresses Parliament's duty to ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of public resources.
- While Minister Gwarube has acknowledged public concern, she has not confirmed attendance before the committee; she has, however, requested Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to investigate the alleged irregularities.
MK Party MP
In correspondence dated April 29, sent to basic education portfolio committee chairperson Joy Maimela,
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He emphasised that Parliament has a duty to intervene without delay, adding that “timely engagement will allow members to assess the credibility of the allegations and determine appropriate next steps.”
He further highlighted the broader implications for governance, saying that “accountability and openness in procurement are essential to safeguarding the integrity of the education system”.
