EFF statement on exorbitant R3.6 billion matric examination printing bill
11 November 2024
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns the exorbitant R3.6 Billion cost of printing matric examination papers, driven by the Democratic Alliance's (DA) privatisation agenda under Minister Siviwe Gwarube. This shift from state printing services to private entities is yet another attempt to erode government capability, handing critical functions over to private companies controlled by white capital, a hallmark of DA governance.
Previously, the Government Printing Works (GPW) efficiently managed the printing of examination papers at a significantly lower cost. Now, eight of the nine provinces are using private printers, raising the cost from under R1 billion to an astronomical R3.6 billion. The rationale of "preventing leaks" is flimsy and fails to justify this burden on the public purse, especially when the increase in expenditure does not translate into better service but only lines the pockets of corporations. For instance, in Limpopo, costs have soared from R 13 million to over R30 million, while in North West, the expenditure has jumped from R8 million to over R27 million. Gauteng, too, has seen its budget for exam printing double, from R17 million to over R36 million.
This is a deliberate weakening of state resources, pushing us towards complete dependence on the private sector—a sector that prioritises profit over public good Two main companies will be benefitting from this arrangement: Lithotech, owned by Bidvest SA, and Lebone Litho Printers which has two white directors. If this trend continues, government capacity will diminish to the point where private corporations control every essential service.
Furthermore, in the short time that the DA has led the Department of Basic Education, their impact has been less than adequate. By refusing to fully endorse the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, the DA showed its lack of commitment to reducing the marginalisation of African children based on language, an issue that entrenches inequality within our schools. Additionally, the DA's drastic cuts to the education budget have led to fewer teachers in a system that is already overwhelmed, further compromising the teacher-to-learner ratio. In this environment, learners are deprived of the attention and quality education they need to succeed.
Moreover, the DA has allowed critical education support services to deteriorate. Reduced funding for school nutrition programs has left many children without the meals they depend on, while learner transport tenders have been grossly mismanaged, with companies failing to deliver reliable transport services to rural and underserved communities. Instead of prioritising the needs of the people, the DA has continued the self-serving approach that marked the ANC's tenure.
In fact, we should not be surprised as Helen Zille has openly stated that the DA's priority is private business, not the welfare of the South African people. In the DA, South Africa is now facing a political force intent on dismantling the state and sacrificing our people's future for corporate profit. The EFF will, therefore, demand an immediate review of this costly privatisation, advocate for an investment in the restoration of GPW's capabilities, and a commitment to preserving government's role in delivering essential services to the people of South Africa. The state must serve the people, not the interests of private capital.
Issued by Leigh-Ann Mathys, National Spokesperson, EFF, 12 November 2024
