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The Fundile Gade‑led provincial education department faces sharp criticism after spending 99.9 % of its infrastructure budget but achieving only 10 % of its targets. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) says the MEC used matric exams as an excuse to avoid parliamentary scrutiny.
What Happened
The Auditor‑General found that the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education achieved only 10 % of its infrastructure goals despite nearly full budget expenditure. Meanwhile the provincial government estimates it needs R72 billion to clear backlog over ten years, but budgets only R1.8 billion annually less than a quarter of what’s required. The UDM says MEC Gade postponed oversight visits under the guise of matric exams, viewing that step as avoidance rather than accountability.
Official Response
MEC Gade and his department have not publicly addressed the specific oversight‑visit allegations. The UDM argues that instead of welcoming parliamentary scrutiny, the MEC sought to hide behind the exam schedule and deflect responsibility. The UDM urges the provincial government to disclose how funds were spent and why infrastructure failures persist.
Community Impact
Learners throughout the Eastern Cape continue to study in derelict classrooms, many under leaking roofs and without proper sanitation. Some 427 schools still use pit latrines. The UDM says the children of the province deserve leadership that acts, not one that hides behind administrative excuses.
