Eastern Cape Education Department loses R500 million school infrastructure grant due to non-compliance

The Eastern Cape, already struggling with unsafe classrooms and nearly 40% of schools without electricity or running water, will now face even greater challenges in improving learning conditions.

The province's Department of Education has lost a R500 million infrastructure grant from National Treasury due to non-compliance with legal and procedural requirements.

Education specialist Hendrick Makaneta notes that the department had diverted roughly R247 million of the grant to unauthorised ICT projects, rather than building classrooms and toilets.

"This is a cause for concern, given the state of education in the Eastern Cape. There are many problems, and of course, the loss of this grant simply exacerbates the already existing problems which affect learners. We are talking here about overcrowded classrooms, the needs of learners, so that learners can be able to create a future for themselves. The department is failing all our learners, particularly in the Eastern Cape.

"It should be very clear at this point that the children of the Eastern Cape continue to suffer as a result of poor management of resources by those who are tasked with the responsibility. If people are incompetent, they should be held accountable. It can' be correct that we continuously have leaders who are not going to be up to the task.

That time is gone. I think that the President himself should also be able to give the necessary directives. If it means people must lose their jobs, let it be, because we want people who are going to work for this nation, to improve the conditions of especially those who are in those poor communities. It cannot remain business as usual.

"Education is the only thing that can really break the cycle of poverty. When leaders mismanage funds, they take away children's chances of creating a better future for themselves. At this moment, I think we should push government to take this matter seriously. Accountability must be the first step."

To listen to Hendrick Makaneta in conversation with CapeTalk's Amy MacIver, click the audio below: