COSAS demands removal of Basic Education Minister over textbook catalogue delay

The Congress of South African Students (COSAS) has called for the immediate removal of Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, accusing her of interfering with departmental processes and delaying policies affecting learners.

In a strongly worded statement, COSAS criticised the delay in releasing the National Textbook Catalogue for Grades 1 to 3, alleging that the minister had raised concerns about irregularities in the process.

The student organisation rejected the allegations and claimed the delay was being used to protect the interests of large publishing companies.

COSAS alleged that the dispute over the Foundation Phase catalogue was part of broader problems within the Department of Basic Education (DBE), including what it described as attacks on departmental officials and interference in administrative processes.

The organisation also accused Gwarube of delaying the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELLA) Act and its regulations.

COSAS claimed this affected issues including school admissions, language policies and access to education, particularly for learners from disadvantaged communities.

The organisation further criticised the department over classroom overcrowding, early childhood development and the implementation of compulsory Grade R.

COSAS also accused the minister of unfairly targeting senior officials, including Director-General Mathanzima Mweli, over a lifestyle audit.

It alleged that several officials had faced intimidation and professional attacks, particularly officials of colour.

The organisation also raised allegations regarding appointments within the department, claiming that Gwarube had attempted to influence recruitment processes.

COSAS further questioned the appointment and composition of advisory structures within the department, alleging that some stakeholders had been excluded.

On the Foundation Phase catalogue, COSAS said investigations had been conducted into the process, including an investigation by the Auditor-General of South Africa, an independent investigation and a legal opinion.

The organisation claimed the findings did not support allegations of corruption in the catalogue process and accused the minister of withholding information from the public.

COSAS also raised concerns about a company it identified as Balawande/Bulawande, alleging that it had previously been rejected during the catalogue process but was later introduced to the department as a non-profit organisation.

The organisation called for greater stakeholder involvement in the compilation of the Intermediate Phase textbook catalogue.

COSAS has also threatened to mobilise learners and community members against the minister.

It called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove Gwarube within seven days and said it would organise marches and other actions to press its demands.

“COSAS officially declares war on the Minister of Basic Education,” the organisation said.

The allegations contained in the statement are those of COSAS and have not been independently verified.