WCED concerned about single textbook per subject

Jaimie-faith Poonah
09 June 2015

The Western Cape Department of Education has raised its concern regarding the single textbook per subject which the national department claims it is a cost saving system.

WCED MEC Debbie Schafer while addressing the National Council of Provinces on Minister Angie Motshekga’s budget vote speech emphasised the importance of strengthening accountability and efficiency.

Ministerial Spokesperson Jessica Shelver said if the National government spends more efforts on dealing with corruption, maladministration and other departments, there would be more than enough money to purchase quality textbooks, without limiting the choice of teachers and learners and endangering the publishing industry.

Shelver said Minister Schafer has raised with the Nation minister and the deputy minister the on-going concerns of the publishing industry,

Shelver added that the impact has brought home in a recent meeting with the publisher, when it was explained that a small publisher is developing a maths book for Grade 10.

“Minister Schafer does not have to explain the potential dangers that lie in minimising the amount of available material.” Schafer added.