Gwarube asks Treasury to probe alleged irregularities in school textbooks procurement

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has asked National Treasury to investigate alleged irregularities in the procurement of school textbooks.

This follows a News24 report that Lighthouse Publishers, registered just three days after the terms of reference were issued for the Foundation Phase National Catalogue, received the bulk of approvals to produce new learning materials for grades 1 to 3.

The company could earn more than R285 million from producing textbooks and support materials for the department.

The minister’s spokesperson, Lukhanyo Vanga, said the allegations are deeply concerning, warning that the delivery of quality education materials for more than 13.7 million learners is at stake.

“The National Treasury is the legal custodian of procurement compliance. Before taking any further steps, I am seeking advice from the National Treasury. Should the investigation by Treasury uncover malfeasance, I will not hesitate to act. Any and all those implicated will be dealt with.”