Date: 15/09/2004
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government
Title: A Motshekga: Procurement of Learning, Teaching & Study Material


MEC MOTSHEKGA ANNOUNCEMENT ON PROCUREMENT OF LEARNING AND TEACHING SUPPORT MATERIALS (LTSM) IN SCHOOLS 15 September 2004

After much consideration and intensive engagement with all issues raised during these meetings and noting the urgency of the matter, MEC Motshekga resolved that:

1. Section 21 schools shall continue to perform functions allocated to them in terms of the South African Schools' Act 84 of 1996 (Section 21 (1). The implementation of the Electronic Procurement Management System (EPMS) shall not be applicable to Section 21 schools pending consultations and discussions with the schools concerned on the phasing in and introduction of the EPMS and to give sufficient time for mediation and interaction with its form. However, the monitoring of Section 21 schools on this process will continue.

2. The sixty percent (60%) of the resource targeting table (RTT) allocation dedicated to LSM procurement will be transferred into the bank accounts of schools as soon as possible. The 60% LSM allocation is ring-fenced for LTSM only and not for any other purpose.

3. The schools are expected to adhere to stringent financial management and reporting systems that are reliable, efficient and verifiable.

4. These resolutions presuppose a commitment by the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to prudent administrative processes and improved levels of performance and are underpinned by the principles of accountability, compliance with legislation and systems enhancement.

Accountability for the ring-fenced 60% LSM allocation:

The Revised Curriculum Statements

The effective procurement of LTSM is founded on Outcomes Based Education principles and measures. These serve as criteria for selecting materials that constitute the GDE approved catalogue for LTSM. The 60% LSM allocation must accommodate packages that support curriculum priorities as well as utilize guidelines for the LSM and LTSM splits.

Norms and Standards for LTSM

Norms for LTSM inform the nature and form of packages as well as budget splits within the 60% determination. The determination of LTSM norms remains the competency of the National Education Department. However, it is important to know that LTSM may consist of lead, supporting and complementary materials. Hence the choice of packages and the split of the LSM budget must be informed by these norms and the beneficiaries of educational materials.

Strategy for LTSM procurement:

Section 21 schools that wish to place orders through the tool:

Provision has been made for those schools that require assistance with the processing of LSM orders through the e- TOOL. The schools can order directly through the e-TOOL so as to utilise the facility for capturing, compiling and processing orders and verifying the availability of goods/books, pricing or unit cost, ISBN and also for reconciling orders against the allocated budget. Only the RTT budget is applicable.

Non- Section 21 schools Grades 1-12 (including 4-6):

All non-section 21 school orders will be centralized. The procurement supply-chain will be managed and administered by GDE offices and Edu- Solutions as the appointed procurement agency. GDE will provide oversight whilst Edu-Solutions will take responsibility for all logistics involving procurement of school-based LTSM. This covers Grades 1-3, 10% Top Up; Grades 4-6, 100% supply and allocation; Grades 7-12, top up for 10%. These arrangements pertain to the RTT budget only"

For further details please contact: Panyaza Lesufi
Cell: 083 256 7933
Issued by: Department of Education, Gauteng Provincial Government
15 September 2004