North West Legislature Education Committee to engage Basic Education Minister over R200 million Education Department's unspent infrastructure grant
The Portfolio Committee has resolved to engage the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, over the Department of Education's unspent R200 million infrastructure grant that was meant for renovations or building of schools in the province.
This follows a meeting with the department over the 3rd Quarter performance reports.
On May 2018, the department was placed under administration and under prerogative and competency of the National Department of Basic Education on Section 100 (1)(b).
The Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Hon. Kabelo Mataboge said during the processing of department's quarterly reports from 1st quarter until the 3rd quarter, the Committee noted a dramatic and unprecedented regression on performance on infrastructure grants.
"The department has failed to spend allocated budget and implement plans that were approved by the Legislature House hence we resolved to consult the Minister.
"At the meeting that was held with the Inter-Ministerial Task Team led by Minister of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Portfolio Committee raised concerns about the conduct of the Administrator seconded to the department who works as an Accounting Officer on poor performance, failure to implement the post-audit action plan and deteriorating material conditions of both school children and infrastructure in general.
"The Portfolio Committee has also resolved to engage the Minister of Basic Education; the National Council of Provinces Select Committee responsible for the review of the performance of Section 100 and to seek that the deployment of the present administration to be reviewed. The institutions supporting democracy such as Public Service Commission and the Public Protector would be requested to conduct investigations on failures of the Administrator, his competencies and if his acts or omissions have not infringed on the rights of education service users," said Hon. Mataboge.
Hon. Mataboge said amongst others, the Portfolio Committee may not be able to process and or approve the strategic plan; annual performance plans and budget of the 2020/21 of the department given the difficulty in exercising oversight and holding department accountable and negative attitude of the Administrator and trust that it would resolve challenges cordially.
For further information:
Namhla Luhabe
Deputy Manager - Communications
North West Provincial Legislature
Tel: (018) 392 7000
Cell: 079 527 0628
Fax: 086 695 3784
E-mail: namhla@nwpl.org.za<mailto:namhla@nwpl.org.za
