The contract, awarded to the Lebone Altron DSV Consortium, spans five years and covers the printing, secure storage, and distribution of examination papers.

The DA has raised alarms over what it calls an “obscene” financial obligation, particularly given the department’s history of financial mismanagement and the absence of a permanent accounting officer.

MPL CJ Steyl demands comprehensive transparency from North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi, who is expected to provide detailed justifications and documentation to the committee on Thursday (5/6).

‘The financial obligation appears to be obscene’

He formally requested committee chairperson Priscilla Williams to summon Motsumi to brief the committee.

“Considering the severe fiscal constraints negatively affecting frontline departments like Education, the R500 million financial obligation under this multi-year contract appears to be obscene,” said Steyn. 

“This is especially the case in a department that still does not have an appointed substantive accounting officer, and considering the numerous material findings by the Auditor-General over several financial years in contravention of supply chain management regulations.”

The Department of Education, however, earlier this week defended the increase from a previous R27 million annual contract to R100 million a year, citing persistent security challenges.

“The province has previously faced significant challenges, including paper leaks and compromised examinations,” said spokesperson Mphata Molokwane. “Relying solely on public printing facilities with outdated or insufficient security infrastructure was no longer viable.”

Molokwane said, unlike the previous R27 million arrangement, which covered only the printing of examination papers, the new deal offers a full-spectrum solution that includes secure storage and distribution.

However, Steyl said the committee will require a detailed cost analysis per line item of the Lebone Altron DSV Consortium contract, company registration, directorship and ownership report, including tax clearance certificates. Motsumi would also need to present the submission to the provincial and national Treasury seeking deviation from the Public Finance Management Act, as well as the relevant approvals.

Other critical documents the committee will expect, include:

• full disclosure of the bid adjudication process;
• names of bid adjudication committee members and their recommendations;
• a report on all bids received, including scope and cost comparisons;
• a comparative analysis of similar contracts over the past three financial years; and
• a copy of the awarded contract itself.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg