Probe finds no violations involving Lighthouse Publishers in South Africa
An independent probe found no fraud, favouritism, manipulation or violations in the assessment of Lighthouse Publishers’ materials for South Africa’s new primary school textbook catalogue. This was reported by Daily Maverick, citing a presentation by Mathanzima Mweli, director-general of South Africa’s Department of Basic Education.
The probe was conducted by the independent firm Rakoma and Associates. According to the presentation, the allegations against Lighthouse Publishers were not substantiated, and the publisher is to retain its share in the new catalogue of learning materials for grades 1–3.
Procedural shortcomings
At the same time, South Africa’s Auditor-General identified shortcomings in the administration and management of the catalogue development process. These included the absence of a formalised policy, weak mechanisms for declaring interests, insufficiently clear rules for re-selection, and the lack of separate provisions concerning publishers’ experience and capacity.
According to the presentation, the materials were assessed anonymously and under the same rules for all applications. The department explained that companies’ previous experience was deliberately not assessed: the selection was to be based on the quality of the materials and compliance with the curriculum. The Auditor-General accepted this explanation but recommended that this approach be clearly set out in future policy.
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Rakoma and Associates also found that Lighthouse Publishers’ registration date did not conflict with the selection conditions, there was no requirement for a physical office, and the company’s team had relevant educational expertise. Investigators found no conflict of interest or preferential treatment related to the involvement of early literacy specialist Penelope Groom.
Catalogue remains suspended
The new catalogue was presented in April so that provincial education authorities could order materials for the 2027 school year. The previous catalogue had not been updated for 14 years. The process was halted after publications in which the success of the new company Lighthouse Publishers raised suspicions.
Despite the findings of the probes, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said that the catalogue would remain suspended and that provinces must procure materials for 2027 from the old catalogue. Her spokesperson, Lukhanyo Vangqa, said that the Rakoma report recorded problems with procedural compliance, governance and risks of irregular expenditure for provinces. According to him, the report’s recommendations require further legal assessment.
Mweli’s presentation also mentioned two legal opinions — from the department’s legal services and external senior counsel Chris Erasmus. According to the presentation, Erasmus found no evidence of unlawful procurement or unjustified irregular expenditure and considered the catalogue development procedure legally sound provided that a separate policy was introduced.
