The Congress of South African Students (COSAS) has expressed concern over the delayed rollout of new educational materials, particularly the Foundation Phase catalogue for Grades 1-3. COSAS Secretary General Unesongo Matikinca stated that the delay will have a significant impact on the quality of education for young learners. The current textbook catalogue, which is 15 years old, is being questioned for its relevance in today's educational landscape.
According to Matikinca, the delay is a result of Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube's unwillingness to implement the Basic Education Amendment Laws (BELA) Act. COSAS has vowed to put pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa to fire Gwarube, citing the detrimental impact on teaching and learning across the nation. The student movement has urged the government to reassess its nutrition feeding programme alongside the ongoing issues concerning the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
The delayed rollout of new educational materials comes at a time when more than 80% of Grade 4 learners have been found unable to read for meaning in any language, as highlighted in the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study. The proposed new resources, aimed at enhancing literacy in line with the National Literacy Strategy and Plan 2024-2030, are sorely needed in schools that struggle to meet basic educational standards.
COSAS held a media briefing on September 22, 2026, to raise awareness about the concerning issues within the Department of Basic Education. During the briefing, Matikinca emphasized the significance of the educational tools, stating that the delay in the Foundation Phase catalogue is the major link between a learner and receiving quality, universal education.
In response to Gwarube's insistence that the suspension was a protective measure for the 2027 academic year, COSAS vehemently rejected the rationale. The student movement cited the detrimental impact on teaching and learning across the nation, particularly for learners in Grades 1-3. Matikinca called for an urgent overhaul of the school nutrition programme, which has been facing ongoing challenges.
The Congress of South African Students has highlighted the need for an urgent solution to the delayed rollout of new educational materials. The student movement has emphasized that the delay will have a significant impact on the quality of education for young learners, particularly those in Grades 1-3. COSAS has urged the government to take immediate action to address the challenges facing the Department of Basic Education.
As tensions rise between the GNU partners, COSAS has vowed to put pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the challenges facing the Department of Basic Education. The student movement has emphasized the need for a comprehensive solution to the ongoing issues, including the delayed rollout of new educational materials and the challenges associated with the school nutrition programme.
Key points
- COSAS criticizes Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube over delayed rollout of new educational materials.
- Delayed rollout of new educational materials will have a significant impact on the quality of education for young learners.
- COSAS urges government to reassess its nutrition feeding programme alongside ongoing issues concerning the Department of Basic Education.
