A R285 million textbook contract awarded by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is under scrutiny after revelations the winning company was registered just three days after tender specs were issued.
ActionSA Parliamentary Chief Whip Lerato Ngobeni called for an urgent investigation. “ActionSA demands an urgent investigation into alleged irregularities in a R285 million textbook tender by the DBE, awarded to a Cape Town-based company registered just 3 days after the specifications were issued,” Ngobeni said.
She said any suggestion of manipulation in the procurement of textbooks cannot be ignored. “At a time when South Africa’s education system is under immense pressure, any suggestion of manipulation in the procurement of textbooks and learning materials simply cannot be tolerated,” she said. Ngobeni added that the DBE and National Treasury must act quickly.
“The Department and National Treasury must act speedily to ensure that this critical function is not compromised by a procurement process that appears, at best, deeply questionable,” she said.
DBE Minister SiviweNgobeni said the investigation must confirm whether the contract was awarded lawfully and transparently.
“ActionSA calls on the DBE 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,” she said. Gwarube said she has taken steps following the allegations. “I have noted with serious concern media reports containing allegations of procurement irregularities in the textbook procurement process,” Gwarube said.
She said the issue affects millions of learners. “These allegations are gravely concerning. At stake is the delivery of quality education materials to over 13,7 million learners across South Africa. 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,” she said.
Gwarube confirmed she has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana requesting an investigation by National Treasury. She said action will follow if wrongdoing is found. “Should the investigation by Treasury uncover malfeasance, I will not hesitate to act. Any and all those implicated will be dealt with. I cannot allow the future of our children to be compromised by corrupt individuals,” Gwarube said.
