Sadtu criticizes Geordin Hill-Lewis over claims of sabotage against DA ministers
via The Citizen12 min read
The South African Democratic Teachers Union Sadtu has criticized DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis for alleging that senior officials in the Department of Basic Education are sabotaging Minister Siviwe Gwarube. Gwarube, appointed basic education minister in 2024, faced scrutiny over irregularities in a R1.6 billion textbook tender, where Lighthouse Publishers Pty Ltd received R285 million despite being registered shortly after the contract briefing. Hill-Lewis stated on Newzroom Afrika that Gwarube is not to blame for departmental issues, suggesting a "relentless campaign" by senior officials, possibly linked to the ANC, to obstruct reforms and accountability. He also claimed these officials leaked confidential internal information. Sadtu spokesperson Nomusa Cembi accused Hill-Lewis of playing politics, challenging him to provide evidence of sabotage for disciplinary action. Cembi emphasized that senior officials are qualified professionals with contracts and would not defy the minister without cause. She urged the DA to hold its minister accountable and work constructively with officials, noting that not all public servants are ANC-affiliated. Hill-Lewis also defended Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi, another DA minister, after his department withdrew a draft national AI policy found to contain AI-generated content and fake citations.
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