DBE approves foundation phase catalogue for implementation despite procurement defects

The Department of Basic Education said that the Foundation Phase National Catalogue is ready for implementation despite defects identified in the procurement process.

But Minister Siviwe Gwarube said that retaining the catalogue now requires “lawful correction” before the learning material is distributed to provinces.

The department says following a “Triple-layer review” comprising an Auditor-General audit, an independent investigation, and legal opinions has confirmed the integrity of the process.

Gwarube and the department issued separate statements on the controversial catalogue for grades 1-3 that the minister suspended pending an investigation.

Gwarube said that the objective is to retain the new catalogue by correcting its defects, rather than get rid of the work already done.

Gwarube’s Spokesperson Lukhanyo Vangqa said that she obtained independent legal advice on the catalogue and shared it confidentially with provincial education MECs to support “Corrective action and lawful textbook purchasing for 2027”.