EFF condemns R3.6 billion exam printing costs
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly criticised the reported R3.6 billion spent on printing matric exam papers, blaming the Democratic Alliance (DA) for pushing privatisation policies that, in the EFF’s view, weaken the government’s ability to serve its people.
The EFF argues that these rising costs are directly linked to the DA’s push for outsourcing key government tasks, which the EFF believes undermines the role of the state.
According to the party, moving the responsibility for printing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams from the Government Printing Works (GPW) to private companies is mainly benefiting large, predominantly white-owned corporations.
Leigh-Ann Mathys, the EFF spokesperson, called the cost increase a “deliberate weakening of the state,” warning that privatising essential services would leave the government dependent on profit-driven private companies instead of focusing on public welfare.
The figures used by the EFF were based on a report in City Press on November 10, which revealed that the cost of printing matric exams has risen dramatically from under R1 billion to R3.6 billion.
Mathys also pointed to provinces like Limpopo, where costs had jumped from R13 million to over R30 million, and Gauteng, where costs had doubled from R17 million to over R36 million.
The EFF argues that these figures represent an unnecessary strain on public finances and only benefit private companies, rather than improving public services.
In response, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) explained that the R3.6 billion cost does not solely cover printing exam papers.
Minister Siviwe Gwarube clarified that this total amount includes various examination-related processes such as setting and moderating papers, transport, security, marking, and maintaining the exam system.
The cost of printing the exam papers themselves is about R220 million, which is much lower than the R3.6 billion figure reported.
“The total estimated cost to administer the full examination for both full-time and part-time candidates is around R3.6 billion, but this is not just the cost of printing,” Gwarube explained.
“The cost includes a wide range of processes that are essential to the successful administration of the NSC exams.”
Gwarube also stated that there is no national rule requiring provinces to use the Government Printing Works for printing exam papers.
Provinces can choose their own service providers based on their needs and procurement processes.
She acknowledged that the GPW, while an important government body, currently lacks the capacity to print secure exam papers for all nine provinces.
a result, many provinces prefer using in-house printing facilities that allow for better management and oversight.
While the DBE agrees on the need to increase the capacity of the GPW, Gwarube stressed that this must be done in a way that ensures the security and reliability of the exam process.
She explained that centralising printing at one location in Pretoria could pose major risks, including security and logistical challenges.
“The reality is that printing all national exam papers at one venue in Pretoria could pose a major risk, especially considering the security concerns and logistical challenges involved,” Gwarube said.
“The Department is in ongoing discussions with GPW to explore options for increasing its role in the printing of question papers, including looking into the digitisation of the examination process.”
This debate over privatisation and rising exam printing costs comes at a time when the DA’s education policies are facing increased scrutiny.
The EFF has also criticised the DA-led Department of Basic Education for budget cuts in education, which they claim have led to fewer teachers in classrooms and reduced the quality of education.
The EFF also pointed out that provincial education departments have faced financial shortfalls because national funding allocations have not matched the wage agreements negotiated for educators.
The EFF further criticised the DA for not supporting the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, which aims to address educational inequalities, particularly regarding language and the marginalisation of African children.
Helen Zille, the federal chairperson of the DA, has been outspoken about her party’s support for involving the private sector in public services.
As the debate over privatisation continues, the EFF has called for a full review of the decision to outsource the printing of exam papers and is pushing for investment in the GPW to restore its capacity to handle such crucial government tasks.
“The state must serve the people, not the interests of private capital,” Mathys concluded.
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