The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has rejected claims questioning the integrity of its textbook catalogue system, insisting the process is fair, transparent, and strictly governed by quality and cost controls.
This follows questions raised over the transparency and fairness of the department’s textbook catalogue development process, particularly around pricing and the selection of learning materials.
In a statement, DBE spokesperson Terrence Khala said the system uses a blind, anonymised screening process that removes publisher and author details to ensure objective evaluation.
According to the Department, all submissions also undergo a multi-stage quality assurance process where materials are first assessed for curriculum alignment and pedagogical value before pricing is considered.
Only compliant materials are shortlisted, after which the most cost-effective options are selected. However, the Department clarified that where fewer than three submissions meet the required standards, all qualifying titles are included automatically.
It is revealed that this was the case for Tshivenda Home Language materials for Grades 1–3, where only two submissions met the threshold, meaning price comparison was not applied.
While concerns have been raised over pricing from Fulu Publishers, DBE said this did not influence catalogue inclusion.
“The Department considers the pricing in question to be excessive and inconsistent with the intent of the catalogue framework,” Khala said in the statement, adding that the matter is being addressed through established processes.
The Department stressed that inclusion in the catalogue does not guarantee sales, as provinces still apply value-for-money considerations before procurement.
“We do not compromise on quality under any circumstances,” Khala said, adding that Provincial Education Departments are engaging publishers to address pricing concerns, including possible renegotiation or exclusion where necessary.
DBE also noted that some subjects have no listed materials because submissions failed to meet required standards.
The Department added that its anonymised system ensures decisions are not influenced by authorship or publishers, focusing solely on quality and suitability.