South Africa: Teaching And Learning Won't Be Compromised In Western Cape

(MENAFN- APO Group)

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is committed to ensuring that teaching and learning will not be compromised in the Western Cape amid the current issues surrounding the 2026 Foundation Phase National Catalogue.

This follows Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube's decision to maintain the suspension of the catalogue while the legal implications of the procurement process are further considered. Provinces have been advised that the existing catalogue of previously approved Foundation Phase materials will remain available for procurement for the 2027 school year.

The WCED has plans in place to ensure that teaching and learning continue uninterrupted.

The Department had previously expanded the pre-2026 catalogue to include decodable graded readers, enabling schools to access reading materials at scale, through our Back on Track programme.

In addition, the WCED has developed and co-created a range of reading resources that are already being used in schools and will continue to be available in 2027. These include department-developed and open-source reading materials that align with the Department's approved reading approach.

All reading materials currently used by the WCED have been reviewed and screened to ensure alignment with curriculum and procurement requirements.

With these arrangements in place, we are confident that Foundation Phase classrooms will continue to receive the reading materials and support needed to strengthen literacy outcomes and ensure classroom readiness for the 2027 school year.

We thank the Minister for acting decisively to provide certainty for provinces and schools while this matter is being resolved.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Office of the Premier.

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