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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape has condemned the provincial Department of Education after the loss of R500 million in school infrastructure funding. The National Treasury reportedly withheld the money due to non-compliance by the department. The EFF says the loss will worsen the condition of crumbling schools across the province.
The party also raised concerns about the alleged reallocation of nearly R300 million to an unauthorized ICT project. It argues that the department neglected urgent infrastructure needs while diverting money to irregular expenditure.
EFF wants MEC Gadi to explain how funds were mismanaged
The EFF wants Education MEC Fundile Gadi to address the province. The party demands answers on how the grant was lost. It also wants the MEC to name the person who authorized the reallocation of funds. The MEC must state what action he will take against officials who ignored compliance rules.
“This act must not go unpunished. All those implicated must face the music,” the EFF said.
The party warns that the Treasury decision may cripple school infrastructure. It says leaders must act quickly to prevent further damage.
Calls for suspensions, dismissals and criminal charges
In its statement, the EFF demands that the National Treasury review and reverse the withholding of the grant. However, it insists that disciplinary action must follow.
The party wants implicated officials suspended or dismissed, depending on the evidence. It also calls for criminal charges when officials commit wrongdoing.
“Punishing the entire department disadvantages learners who had no role in reallocating funds,” the statement reads.
The EFF says the current approach unfairly affects ordinary pupils and teachers, while those who allegedly mismanaged funds remain in their positions.
EFF links issue to broader governance failures
The party argues that the incident reflects a deeper pattern of corruption, maladministration and non-compliance in government. It says the matter shows poor leadership and oversight and warns that corruption erodes confidence in public institutions.
“We must begin to be unapologetic in our support for an organisation that prioritizes our interests,” the statement concludes.
The EFF vows to continue fighting for the restoration of the R500 million infrastructure grant and accountability within the education department.
