DA misleading public on warehoused textbooks
The Department of Basic Education has noted with much disappointment a statement issued by the Democratic Alliance in Limpopo, insinuating that the department has failed to deliver books to learners in the province.
The suggestions are based on a visit to a storage warehouse utilised by the Limpopo Department of Education (LDoE). It is imperative to point out that it is normal to keep books in a warehouse. This helps in ensuring when schools report shortages the province is able to respond quickly to deliver to relevant schools.
Storage in this manner is actually a pre-emptive measure, to warehouse books near districts where they become easier to access because it can take up to six months to secure a delivery from publishers before it gets to schools.
For the 2015 school year, given the inherent problems in the province, a decision was taken to procure 20% of Grades 1-12 textbooks, despite indications being that retrieval for the previous two years was as high as 90%. To ensure credibility of orders from schools, the LDoE with the approval of the Administrator, requested school principals to complete orders on CDs and hard copies. These were signed off by the school principal, circuit and district managers. The orders were uploaded onto an electronic system of the South African Post Office, a system that was initiated by the Administration on advice from the South African Human Rights Commission.
On the return of learners in the beginning of the school year the province assessed shortages due to learner migration. The excess is used to mop up these shortages, a process the Limpopo department has started since the opening of schools. It is important to clarify also that the books currently being delivered in schools are not full consignments but only top up.
The department therefore finds it disappointing that the DA wants to score points on the basis of ignorant perceptions. The department continues to be available to engage and share information on delivery to any interested party including the DA.
Enquiries:
Elijah Mhlanga
Cell: 083 580 8275
