Education remains a top priority for govt - Presidency

"The president will not rest until he gets to the bottom of the crisis and finds lasting solutions, working with his cabinet who feel equally strongly about the need to ensure that this does not recur.

"We reiterate as well, that the president directed that there should be consequences for anyone found responsible for any wrongdoing that led to the delays in the delivery of books," the Presidency said in statement.

It said that having received a preliminary report, the president now awaited the final one from the Presidential Task Team led by the deputy minister of finance Nhlanhla Nene. "He is dealing with the matter systematically and thoroughly, putting the interests of education and the children first," said the Presidency.

Zuma is also looking for long-term lasting solutions, and has directed the ministry that while completing the current delivery process, they should also work with the National Treasury and the province to ensure that adequate resources are made available and planning is done for the timeous procurement and delivery of next year's textbooks in Limpopo and other provinces.

Government has further introduced the Monitoring, Support and Intervention Bill to address the gaps that exist with regards to the implementation of Section 100 constitutional interventions in the provinces.

"There is no law that outlines exactly how this should be done ... the Presidency and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs are prioritising the finalisation of this crucial legislation," said the Presidency.

Zuma has also directed that while the legislation is being finalised, a special protocol must be developed to manage relations between the spheres and ensure that service delivery is not affected.

Meanwhile, the Basic Education Department is currently finalising the Grade 10 catch up plan, in line with the directive to set up a catch up plan.

The department has recommitted to carry out its mandate to intervene in the Limpopo Province and conclude all outstanding matters.

Basic education minister, Angie Motshekga has been back in Limpopo this week to continue her oversight role and assessment in the implementation of Section 100 (1) (b). She is expected to meet with officials and school principals on Wednesday and Friday for further engagement.