The Department of Basic Education has appointed Professor Mary Metcalfe to help verify information coming out of Limpopo relating to the delivery of textbooks.
In a statement at the weekend, the department said it was “concerned about reports that books may not have reached all schools in Limpopo and that progress reports being provided to the department, with regard to the delivery of these learning materials, may not be accurate”.
The department has also set up a call centre to deal with all information from the public regarding the delivery of textbooks. Anyone with information can phone 0800 202 933 between 8.30am and 4pm on weekdays.
In line with the new Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement that started being implemented this year, grades 1, 2, 3 and 10 were supposed to receive new study material before the start of the year.
Metcalfe said on Sunday she was waiting for the terms of reference and a letter of appointment from the department.
She expected to meet officials from the department on Monday to finalise the processes to be followed. The department is working with the NGO Section 27, the public interest legal organisation which took it to court over the debacle.
“I am preparing by putting together a team with the necessary skills to complete this verification before Limpopo schools open for the new term,” said Metcalfe. “It is important that the verification process proceeds with the necessary expertise, objectivity and independence so that the outcomes have the confidence of all stakeholders and of the public.”
Meanwhile, Sapa stated that Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga could face the axe over the bungled textbook delivery to Limpopo schools, according to media reports on Sunday.
At its policy conference last week, the ANC agreed that action should be taken against under-performing civil servants, The Sunday Independent reported.
“If one of us is under-performing as a public servant, regardless of what level we are at, then we need to act,” ANC treasurer-general Mathews Phosa told the paper.
Delegates had reportedly called for Motshekga’s head.
The Star