South Africa’s education system is once again under the spotlight tonight, as questions mount over a multi-billion rand textbook procurement process. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has now requested that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana initiate an urgent investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding a R1.6 billion tender aimed at supplying foundation phase textbooks for Grades 1 to 3. The tender forms part of the department’s broader “foundations for learning” campaign, introduced to strengthen literacy and numeracy in early education. At the centre of the controversy is Lighthouse Publishers (Pty) Ltd, which was awarded a significant portion of the contract — reportedly 26% of all approved titles — despite claims that the company was only registered shortly before the tender briefing. Out of more than 6 000 approved textbook titles submitted by 19 publishers, concerns have now been raised about how the procurement process was conducted and whether proper procedures were followed. While the company has denied any wrongdoing, the matter has sparked calls for greater transparency in how public education funds are allocated.