IN CONVERSATION WITH LUKHANYO VANGQA, BASIC EDUCATION MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER

The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has raised serious concerns following media reports alleging irregularities in the procurement of textbooks for the foundation phase. These allegations are particularly troubling given the scale of impact, as the provision of learning materials affects more than 13.7 million learners across South Africa. Any disruption or compromise in this process poses a direct threat to the effective functioning of the education system and undermines learners’ constitutional right to access basic education. In response, Minister Gwarube has formally written to the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, requesting that the National Treasury investigate the claims. As the legal authority responsible for overseeing procurement compliance, the National Treasury is best positioned to assess whether due processes were followed. The Minister has indicated that she is awaiting guidance from the Treasury before taking further action. However, she has made it clear that should any wrongdoing be uncovered, decisive steps will be taken against those implicated, underscoring a firm stance against corruption in matters affecting the country’s education system. Instagram · Twitter