By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Simphiwe Nkwali.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has on Tuesday called for an investigation following the emergence of an eye-watering amount spent to disinfect Gauteng schools.
An investigation by Daily Maverick brought to light a report by the department revealing that more than R430 million was spent on decontaminating schools between June and August last year.
According to the publication, the money was used to procure the cleaning services of companies – some who are not even in the business of disinfecting – to disinfect, decontaminate and deep clean schools across the province.
The report, which the head of department and chief financial officer had compiled, was released on Tuesday. It detailed the decontamination, disinfection and cleaning of educational facilities commenced in June 2020 in preparation for the opening of schools on June 8. This process involved 2,207 schools and 38 administration buildings.
It is alleged a number of companies awarded the tender to sanitise schools did not have any expertise and experience and were not part of the cleaning industry.
Lesufi said he was taken aback by the report, and promised to take action. He said he was consulting with relevant law enforcement agencies to take up these investigations, and also requested the auditor-general to check and verify if there was value for money in the contracts.
“I wish to reaffirm my commitment to leave no stone unturned on this, including holding those who procured these services accountable,” said Lesufi.
“The MEC is at an advanced stage in consulting with relevant law enforcement agencies to take up these investigations including requesting the Auditor General to check and verify if there was value for money used,” his department said.
The Gauteng Department of Education provides education to 2 186 701 learners in public schools. These schools consist of public ordinary schools of which 1 396 are primary schools, 616 are secondary schools, 65 combined schools and 128 special schools.