TO: NEWS EDITORS AND JOURNALISTS

DATE: 08 DECEMBER 2025

ECDoE Head of Department speaks out

The Eastern Cape Department of Education (Department) expresses its profound concern over the persistent efforts by certain individuals to deliberately undermine the integrity of this institution by circulating falsehoods, perpetuating unfounded rumours, and wilfully misrepresenting factual information.

The Department confirms that it received the 4th tranche of the Education Infrastructure Grant (EIG) from the National Department of Basic Education (DBE) to the value of R282.1 million on 26 November 2025.

The Department further confirms that the remaining R247.7 million will be received from DBE following the resolution of a miscommunication between DBE and the province related to the utilisation of the EIG. This matter has been fully clarified and cleared between both the Departments.

In addition, the recent disasters experienced in parts of the province placed immense pressure on the infrastructure budget as emergency interventions were required to ensure continuity of schooling. To avoid delays in ongoing infrastructure projects and payments, the Department temporarily accessed R75 million from the Equitable Share to relieve the pressure on the Grant. This measure ensured that all Implementing Agents and service providers continue with their work without disruption. Payments to all relevant Implementing Agents and contracted service providers are currently in progress. It is categorically stated the Department did not surrender R529 million to DBE.

The Eastern Cape Department of Education reassures the public, stakeholders, and partners that no funds have been lost by the Department, whether from the infrastructure budget or any other allocation.  All financial processes remain transparent, compliant, and closely monitored to safeguard public resources.

The Department unequivocally calls upon all media outlets to exercise the highest standard of journalist diligence and to rigorously verify all facts before publishing any content pertaining to the Department.  The Department notes with grave concerns the continuous attack that are targeting the sector by certain individuals.  The spate of these attacks follows the suspension of certain individuals whose disciplinary cases are still ongoing.

It is the prerogative of the Head of Department to ensure that all administrative processes are implemented at all times. The Head of Department is obliged to hold official(s) accountable for their actions and has the right to file cases of defamation and crimen injuria against official/s for deliberately peddling misinformation against certain individuals and the institutions.

These attacks happen at a time when the department has been bestowed with compliments and achievements ranging from the first unqualified audit opinion since the dawn of democracy and our matric results being on an upward trajectory for the past two years.  We have also represented the department in local, national and international platforms

...End...

ISSUED BY THE EASTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

CONTACT:

Mrs. Nyameka Mgijima                                                                              Mr. Malibongwe Mtima                                                                                                                           

A/Director for Communication and Events                                                  Spokesperson; EC Education

Cell: 060 530 0348                                                                                   083 795 2117