The Eastern Cape has begun ordering grade 1 to 3 learning materials from the new R1.6-billion Foundation Phase National Catalogue, ahead of the 2027 school year. This catalogue aims to improve literacy, in line with the National Literacy Strategy and Plan 2024-2030. Over 80% of grade 4 learners were unable to read for meaning in any language in the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study. The new materials are expected to be based on the latest research.
The catalogue has been surrounded by controversy, with problems in the procurement process leading to its suspension. Basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube endorsed the catalogue in September, subject to fixing legal defects. The Eastern Cape Department of Education confirmed it would procure materials from the new catalogue, prioritizing procurement this week. The department acknowledged the limited timeframe and ensured that no order would be placed where there remains an unresolved compliance concern.
The Western Cape has decided to hold off on procuring materials from the new catalogue until procurement concerns are resolved. Western Cape Education Department MEC Jaco Londt stated that they are erring on the side of caution and will continue with their existing plans. The Western Cape has already provided teaching and learning support materials to all classes for the 2027 year and expanded its pre-existing catalogue to include decodable graded readers.
The procurement process for the new catalogue has been troubled. In April, it was reported that Lighthouse Publishers, a little-known company, was to be paid R285-million for 26% of all 6,385 titles approved across the catalogue's 19 publishers. This was more than any other single publisher. Minister Gwarube requested an investigation, which flagged material areas of noncompliance, governance weaknesses, and potential procurement and financial management risks.
The Council of Education Ministers endorsed the catalogue on 18 September, and the Department of Basic Education announced the following day that the catalogue had been approved, subject to legal defects that required fixing. The legal reports and investigations have not been officially released to the public. No specific finding has been made publicly against Lighthouse Publishers.
Other provinces are at different stages of procurement, with the Free State holding daily virtual meetings. The national Department of Basic Education spokesperson stated that procurement decisions are made by the respective provinces, and it would be premature to provide a definitive list of provinces that will or will not procure from the catalogue. The Eastern Cape Department of Education will only select material from approved publishers.
Timing is critical as provinces decide on required materials, complete procurement, and deliver books in time for the new school year in January. The Eastern Cape Department of Education and other provinces are working to ensure that the new materials are delivered on time. The Department of Basic Education and provinces are working together to resolve the procurement concerns and ensure that the new catalogue is implemented successfully.
Key points
- The Eastern Cape has started ordering grade 1 to 3 learning materials from the new R1.6-billion Foundation Phase National Catalogue.
- The Western Cape is holding off on procuring materials from the new catalogue due to procurement concerns.
- The new catalogue aims to improve literacy, in line with the National Literacy Strategy and Plan 2024-2030.
