The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is facing growing scrutiny after reports that a R285 million tender for foundation phase textbooks was awarded to a newly registered company with no established track record.
The company, Lighthouse Publishers (Pty) Ltd, based in Cape Town, is alleged to have been registered only days after the tender was advertised, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of the procurement process. Despite the scale of the contract, the company reportedly has no prior experience in publishing or producing educational materials.
Company records show that Michael Kasango Mugoya, who holds a 51% stake, and Georgia Groome, who holds 49%, are the listed shareholders. Mugoya is reportedly a student based in China.
In response to the allegations, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has formally requested Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to initiate an investigation through the National Treasury, which oversees procurement compliance.
“I have noted with serious concern media reports containing allegations of procurement irregularities in the textbook procurement process,” Gwarube said.
She warned that any compromise in the procurement process could have serious consequences for the country’s education system.
“At stake is the delivery of quality education materials to over 13.7 million learners across South Africa. 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.”
Gwarube added that she is awaiting guidance from National Treasury before taking further action.
“Should the investigation by Treasury uncover malfeasance, I will not hesitate to act. Any and all those implicated will be dealt with. I cannot allow the future of our children to be compromised by corrupt individuals.”
The investigation is expected to determine whether procurement processes were properly followed and if any irregularities occurred in the awarding of the tender.
