Eastern Cape orders new R1.6-billion textbooks as Western Cape holds back

The Eastern Cape has commenced ordering grade 1 to 3 learning materials from a new R1.6-billion Foundation Phase National Catalogue for the 2027 school year, while the Western Cape is postponing its decision due to ongoing procurement concerns. The materials are to align with the National Literacy Strategy and Plan 2024–2030. According to the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, more than 80% of grade 4 learners struggled to read for meaning in any language.

The Eastern Cape's Department of Education confirmed its intention to procure grade 1 to 3 learning and teaching support materials from the new catalog, despite limited timeframes. The Western Cape's Education Department, led by MEC Jaco Londt, cited the need to address procurement issues before adopting the new materials. The Western Cape currently relies on its existing catalogue, which includes decodable graded readers through its Back on Track programme.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) confirmed that procuring authorities, including schools and provinces, are responsible for legal compliance, leading the Western Cape to opt out of the new catalogue for 2027. The troubled procurement process for the catalogue began in April when Lighthouse Publishers, a relatively unknown company, received a substantial payment for a significant portion of the approved titles.

This raised concerns, prompting an investigation and subsequent suspensions. The Minister approved the catalogue in late September, but legal corrections still need to be made. The Eastern Cape will prioritize the procurement from the new catalog, while the Western Cape will continue with its current plans pending the resolution of procurement issues.