Media Statement

To: News Editors and Journalists

Dated: 28 Novsemeber 2024

ECDoE notes the unprecedented number of fmedia enquiries regarding the Sizwe Africa IT group investigations.

The Eastern Cape Department of Education notes the recent upsurge in media enquiries regarding the ongoing investigations surrounding the Sizwe Africa IT Group which was contracted by the Eastern Cape Department of Education to provide ICT services.

In June 2022, Provincial Treasury notified the Department of a preliminary investigation into the Sizwe contract as a result of communication received from a whistle blower. In August 2023, the Department was further notified of the initiation of an investigation into the contract. In March 2024, a notice was received that a forensic investigating company was appointed to investigate the Sizwe contract. Since June 2022, the investigation as instituted by Provincial Treasury has been ongoing and the department is fully co-operating with the forensic investigators.

In a letter dated 8 November 2024, the specialised crimes unit, the Hawks informed the Department they are investigating the Sizwe contract and a request for information was received. The Department is obliged to fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies and has fully cooperated in this regard.

Due to the sensitivity and confidentiality of these investigations, we appeal to the media houses to allow the investigation to be concluded without any impediment from journalists or otherwise. It must be noted that the department has not on its own initiated any investigation yet, as we await the conclusion of the current ongoing investigations by both Provincial Treasury and the law enforcement agency.

The Department will not provide any further comment or information in this regard as the matter is subjudice.

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Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Education Communications

Directorate. For any enquiries, please contact the DoE Spokesperson, Mr Mali Mtima at 083 795 2117, Acting Director: Communications and Events Management, Ms Nyameka Tokwe-Mgijima at 060 530 0348.