Presidential textbook task team in danger of becoming a whitewash
The DA believes that the composition and the terms of reference of the Presidential task team investigating the textbook saga in Limpopo must be adapted to ensure that its findings do not obscure some of the root causes of the crisis.
The most obvious weakness in the terms of reference, which the DA has in its possession, is the scope of the investigation into the role of service providers.
Despite the fact that numerous reports and statements from Limpopo Administrators, past and present, and the previous Limpopo education department acting Chief Financial Officer have suggested that the tender process relating to textbook service providers was flawed, the investigation into the service providers will be limited to their role in acquisition, distribution and delays.
The task team will therefore probably ignore the allegations regarding the inappropriate relationship between government officials and key service provider EduSolutions.
We also want to re-iterate our concerns around the composition of the task team. Five National Deputy Ministers are not likely to critically assess the questions around the involvement of the national government in this crisis. It should be borne in mind that national government took over management of the Education Department in Limpopo on 5 December 2011, failed to place textbook orders until May and ultimately needed a court order to spur it into action
The task team will also report directly to the President. The textbook debacle has been riddled with allegations of political interference and corruption at both provincial and national level. As such, it demands a politically independent mechanism to investigate the causes of the crisis. The current reporting line could potentially prejudice the unearthing of politically uncomfortable findings.
The DA calls for:
- the terms of reference to be expanded to include a full investigation into the awarding of the education tenders in Limpopo and the allegations of impropriety connected to the tender process;
- the inclusion of independent members on the task team, who can hold those responsible accountable without fear or favour; and
- an unedited version of the report to be made available for public scrutiny.
I will be proposing these changes in a letter to President Zuma.
For the sake of South African learners, the investigation into the textbook crisis must be above reproach.
Statement issued by Annette Lovemore MP, DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education, July 18 2012
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