Build One South Africa (BOSA) is outraged by the revelation that over R5.2 million earmarked for school infrastructure has been misappropriated in the Eastern Cape. This disclosure was made in a written reply by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, to BOSA’s parliamentary question.
According to the Minister’s reply, the misappropriated funds were part of the School Infrastructure Backlogs Grant (SIBG) and were misused during infrastructure projects managed by the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works.
This is not simply financial mismanagement, it is theft. And the victims are schoolchildren still learning in crumbling classrooms, using pit toilets, or forced to learn under trees.
The Eastern Cape is routinely at the bottom of national education performance indicators – with one of the lowest matric pass rates, dire dropout levels, and infrastructure that fails even the most basic standards. For a province in such crisis, every cent counts and must be used to improve standards and conditions.
Even more disturbing is the culture of protection and impunity in the education sector, fuelled by the unchecked power of unions, especially SADTU. Time and again, we have seen connected individuals shielded from accountability, moved around instead of removed, and allowed to continue failing our children with zero consequence. The system does not serve learners, it serves itself.
While internal investigations have been conducted and the matter has been reported to the Hawks, no one has been held accountable and the case has not yet proceeded to trial.
In response, BOSA will make contact with the Hawks to demand answers on progress. South Africans deserve to know:
- Who stole the money?
- Why has there been no prosecution?
- What systems allowed this theft to occur?
- When will the money be recovered?
It is unacceptable that funds meant to fix dangerous and undignified learning conditions have been looted while officials continue to hide behind process and delay.
BOSA will continue to fight for a government that protects the vulnerable, delivers for its people, and holds the corrupt accountable. The theft of our children’s future cannot and will not go unanswered.
Media Statement by
Roger Solomons: BOSA Acting Spokesperson
Wednesday 16 April 2025
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons – BOSA Acting Spokesperson – 072 299 3551