R1.6 billion textbook tender raises eyebrows
Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has called for an investigation into a textbook procurement tender.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
A R1.6 BILLION textbook tender has raised the eyebrow of Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, who has formally requested Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to initiate an investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement process.
The move follows emerging media reports raising concerns about possible breaches in the teder process, said to be to the tune of R1.6 billion.
The company was awarded over a quarter (26%) of the total approvals for the publishing of textbooks for Grade 1 to 3 learners 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.
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.”
“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.