Gwarube urges Treasury to probe possible textbook irregularities
The company was only registered three days after the contract specifications were issued.
Black News 
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to request that National Treasury investigate possible irregularities in the textbook procurement process for the foundation phase.
This follows reports that the publishing company, Lighthouse Publishers (Pty) Ltd, was awarded a tender to provide textbooks for Grades 1 to 3.
The company was only registered three days after the contract specifications were issued.
The minister’s spokesperson Lukhanyo Vangqa, “The Minister of Basic Education, Miss Siviwe Gwarube, has noted with serious concern reports containing allegations of procurement irregularities in the textbook procurement process. 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 the textbook procurement process directly threatens the ability of the education system to function effectively and undermines the constitutional right of every child to have access to basic education.”
