R200m in textbook funds reallocated to salaries, school furniture

The Publisher's Association of South Africa (Pasa) has warned it will take legal action if the department fails to meet its obligations to order agreed textbooks.

In a memorandum by Finance MEC Sakhumzi Somyo, dated 11 August, he informs the department that R200m of its LTSM budget will be used to pay the salaries of 502 teachers and purchase school furniture. Yesterday, Somyo confirmed the diversion of funds, saying it was necessitated by under-expenditure by the department in its LTSM budget.

Department spokesman Loyiso Pulumani confirmed money meant for LTSM would be used to pay salaries.

In a letter dated 24 October, Pasa provincial representative Warren Kliphuis wrote that publishers had still not received orders from the department.

The latest development comes barely two weeks after Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle said that nearly 80% of ordered LTSMs had been delivered.

Source: TheHerald, via I-Net Bridge