THE Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) has recently declared the delivery of stationary packs to schools in the province to be standing at 99.9%.
According to a statement issued by the department, stationary packs were delivered amidst delays that were beyond the control of their control, especially considering that schools opened on January 25.
“This was caused by lack of funding for purchasing of LTSM for 2022 academic year and the department had to request the intervention of DBE, Treasury and Office of the Premier, which eventually led to receiving an amount of R267 699 000,” the statement read.
The department further attributed the delay in delivery to the time at which the funds were made available.
“The money was only made available in December last year which meant that the department could only start with the procurement processes in January of 2022.”
Next up on the department’s to–do list is the top up exercise for schools that unexpectedly admitted more learners at the beginning of the academic year. Such schools were afforded until March 10, 2022 to indicated their additional requirements.
“On the delivery of textbooks, the department prides itself in the manner in which our schools have been able, in the past years, to implement their retrieval policies effectively. This had led to a 98% retrieval rate, meaning that most learners have textbooks at their disposal for teaching and learning purposes.”
The department is said to have set aside an amount of R53 539 800 for the procurement of top up as per requirements of the schools.
“Currently, the stock available at the warehouse is more than 50% and that will be delivered to schools before the end of March 2022.”
The Grahamstown High Court recently ordered the ECDoE to provide all outstanding textbooks and stationery to public schools across the province by March 30.
– ISSUED BY: ECDoE
