Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has told Parliament that any irregularities uncovered in the awarding of a major textbook contract will lead to accountability measures. She spoke during questions on Wednesday afternoon about the tender awarded to Lighthouse Publishers.
Gwarube said she requested an internal audit of the process and commissioned an external independent investigation by a law firm. She also instructed provinces not to proceed with textbook purchases until the reviews are complete and the integrity of the process is confirmed.
Investigations aim to test procurement integrity
Gwarube explained that the internal audit and external probe will examine whether all procurement guidelines were followed. The external investigation will help determine if any irregularities occurred in the tender for foundation phase materials.
She noted pressure to avoid delays in textbook delivery for the 2027 school year. “However, we are under pressure because we do not want there to be any delays in the delivery of textbooks for 2027,” Gwarube said. The minister added that she first approached National Treasury for assistance, but officials advised that an external investigation would be more appropriate.
The contract forms part of a broader foundation phase catalogue process. Reports indicate Lighthouse Publishers, a Cape Town-based company, received a portion valued at more than R285 million for Grade 1 to Grade 3 textbooks and support materials. The company was registered three days after the tender specifications were issued and one day before the department’s formal briefing on requirements. Multiple outlets have reported that Lighthouse Publishers had no prior publishing track record at the time of the award.
Minister outlines her limited role under PFMA
Gwarube stressed that she plays no direct role in individual tender awards or catalogue redesign decisions. Under the Public Finance Management Act, these responsibilities fall to the Accounting Officer — in this case, Director-General Mathanzima Mweli — supported by supply chain and curriculum teams.
“I am not consulted on nor do I approve the redesign of the catalogue model. I do not give any instruction for a specific outcome to any publisher or supplier. I have not approved any award to Lighthouse Publishers or any publisher,” she told MPs.
The minister also denied any personal connection to the company. “I have no relationship with the company or its owners, nor have I ever had any dealings with them,” Gwarube said.
Accountability remains central, says Gwarube
Gwarube emphasised the importance of accountability in public procurement.
“We’re talking about accountability, because for too long in our political culture in South Africa there has never been accountability for people who steal public money. If you steal public money, you go to jail.”
She said her duty includes exercising supervisory responsibilities when concerns arise.
“If any irregularity is found and any of the departmental officials have committed any transgression, then it is my duty to ensure that we take action and that we hold people accountable.”
MPs raise questions on process and oversight
Several MPs questioned the minister during the session. EFF MP Mandla Shikwambana asked whether a thorough investigation had taken place before the contract was awarded. ANC MP Thokozile Magagula inquired about adherence to procurement guidelines. DA MP Desiree Van der Walt asked what steps Gwarube had taken to ensure the catalogue process was legal, transparent and properly monitored.
Gwarube reiterated that the PFMA prevents her from direct involvement in tender processes. She said she acted on suspicions of wrongdoing by ordering the audits and halting further purchases.
“That’s what I did when I said we would halt the process and provinces should not purchase textbooks until the independent investigation and internal audit were completed and we ensured that the process was above suspicion.”
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