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The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng has written to the Public Protector to request an urgent investigation into the suspicious payment of over R1.8 billion to Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance (MGSLG) by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE).

The DA recently discovered, through a response from the MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, that the department has paid an astonishing R1 868 760 369.50 to MGSLG for what is described as “cutting-edge” capacity-building programmes for school management and leadership, in addition to "teacher development" initiatives.

The payments were made between 2019 and 2024, including the Covid-19 pandemic when educational institutions were closed.

"It is inconceivable that so much money could have been productively spent over five years. I have, therefore, referred the matter to the Public Protector for in-depth forensic analysis. I have also requested the Public Protector to investigate whether any of this money found its way to third parties that did not have a valid and direct role in adding value to the training programmes," says DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Education, Michael Waters MPL.

"I will also submit follow-up questions to the MEC requiring a clear breakdown of the application of these funds, including all relevant details of the training programmes offered and their outcomes. It is disturbing that the board of MSGSLG reads like a 'who’s who' of the ANC," asserts Waters MPL.

The board members include the chairperson, Tseliso Ledimo, who is also the provincial secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers Union which is part of the ANC’s tripartite alliance. The Deputy Chairperson, Jacob Khawe, was the former provincial secretary of the Gauteng ANC from 2018 until 2022. Other members include Maupe (George) Matjila, who serves as the regional secretary of the ANC in the City of Tshwane, and Tlangi Mogale, a prominent ANC member and a former candidate for the presidency of the ANC Youth League.

The DA Gauteng will continue to call for a spending review of all government expenditures to ensure that frivolous extraction programmes are ended and that taxpayers get value for their money.

The revelation of this R1,8 billion spent in five years comes at a time when the GDE is unable to pay the electricity bills of the poorest schools in Gauteng, with serious consequences for the teaching programme. The time for this gross level of abuse of public funds is over.

Issued by Michael Waters MPL - DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Education