The Eastern Cape Department of Education has started ordering Foundation Phase learning materials for Grades 1 to 3 from the new R1.6-billion Foundation Phase National Catalogue for the 2027 school year. This contrasts with the Western Cape Education Department, which is holding back due to unresolved procurement and legal issues.
The Foundation Phase catalogue, endorsed by the Council of Education Ministers on 18 September 2026, faced scrutiny after a Department of Basic Education (DBE) review identified legal shortcomings in the procurement process. The DBE has stated the catalogue is ready for implementation despite these defects but insists urgent legal corrections are needed.
Western Cape Education MEC Jaco Londt explained to Cape Flats News, “We are erring on the side of caution until these matters are sufficiently addressed and will continue with the plans we already had in place.” The province has already supplied teaching and learning support materials for 2027 and expanded its own catalogue to include decodable graded readers.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education said it will only select materials from approved publishers and will avoid any orders tied to unresolved compliance concerns that might render procurement irregular or unlawful. Their approach allows them to proceed with textbook orders while managing the legal risks.
DBE spokesperson Terence Khala emphasised provincial autonomy, stating, “Procurement decisions are made by the respective provinces, and their processes are at different stages. For this reason, it would be premature to provide a definitive list of provinces that will or will not procure from the catalogue.”
Further reports highlighted that some publisher deficiencies on the catalogue still require resolution before all materials can be safely procured, as reported by the Mail & Guardian on 28 September 2026.
This procurement process is critical because textbooks and learning aids must be delivered before the start of the school year in January. The divide between the provinces reflects broader concerns about procurement legality and due diligence compliance in public education spending.
The DBE remains responsible for addressing the identified legal shortcomings, including obtaining proper authorisations for deviation and documenting reasons, as stated by Minister Siviwe Gwarube’s spokesperson Lukhanyo Vangqa.
The Western Cape’s cautious stance highlights the complexities provinces face in balancing legal compliance with timely provision of educational resources. Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape’s move signals confidence in managing risks while addressing urgent material needs.
Cape Flats News will continue monitoring the rollout of the Foundation Phase catalogue across provinces and report on updates regarding compliance, procurement progress, and delivery status for the upcoming 2027 school year.