Parliament, Tuesday, 12 May 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, chaired by Ms Joy Maimela, has resolved to refer the procurement process for the new national catalogue for Foundation Phase (Grades 1–3) to the Office of the Public Protector for a formal investigation.
This follows weeks of media allegations that procurement procedures may not have been followed in full compliance with the law, particularly after reports emerged that Lighthouse Publishing had been registered for only three months before securing what is considered a highly lucrative publishing contract.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) noted that the process to develop the new catalogue started several years ago; the publishing industry was informed in 2020 about plans to introduce the new Foundation Phase catalogue. In 2024, the department issued a formal call for submissions.
Addressing allegations that Lighthouse Publishing lacked the experience and capacity to deliver on the contract, particularly due to its reported “relationship with Class Act”, the DBE informed the committee that it had received a communiqué from Class Act Educational Services clarifying its role and outlining the editorial and production capacity available to support the project.
The committee further heard that a new “blind screening” evaluation process had been implemented to ensure fairness. Under this system, evaluators assessed teaching and learning materials without knowledge of the authors or publishing houses involved, thereby reducing the possibility of bias. The committee was also informed that, under the previous catalogue, three publishing houses controlling seven titles had dominated the market.
Committee Chairperson Ms Maimela said: “We note and appreciate the utterances by the Minister that an internal investigation has been instituted. We had a robust engagement with the DBE on this very sensitive matter. However, the committee remains of the view that the matter should be referred for an independent investigation, including scrutiny of the executive authority. This is to ensure that we are satisfied that there was no political or administrative interference whatsoever.
“At this stage, the public is concerned. I am panicking as a parent, and I am panicking as a lawmaker, about whether there will be a textbook in the hands of every learner at the start of the school year,” said Ms Maimela.
She added that the committee’s referral to the Public Protector should also include concerns regarding the timely delivery of textbooks ahead of the start of the 2027 academic year in January.
The committee also resolved to refer concerns regarding the recruitment process of two officials in the department to the Public Service Commission for scrutiny including the conduct of Minister Ms Siviwe Gwarube. The positions in question are those of Deputy Director-General: Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring, and Chief Director: Communications.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION, MS JOY MAIMELA.
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