The North West Department of Education has sought to clarify media reports regarding the recently awarded R100 million contract for the printing, packaging, and delivery of examination papers for this year.
The tender, which was originally valued at R27m, has since increased to R100m
But the department said the costs increased are justifiable and are beyond their control and were forced by several challenges including paper leaks and compromised examinations.
“The Department could no longer rely solely on public printing facilities that lacked modern security infrastructure.
The new contract includes tight security measures such as biometric access, CCTV-monitored printing zones, GPS-tracked logistics, and 24/7 secure storage to eliminate leak risks and ensure examination integrity,” said the department spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane.
Furthermore, Molokwane cited expanded scope of service which the previous R27m contract covered only the printing.
The current R100 million contract is a comprehensive end-to-end solution that includes, high-volume printing, secure packaging and labelling per school, delivery to and collection from all districts, storage of question-and-answer booklets, retrieval and delivery of scripts to marking centres, and growth in learner population,” explained Molokwane.
He highlighted that the number of learners writing examinations has increased significantly in the past five years, which has resulted in a higher volume of scripts, requiring more paper, more logistics, and more coordination.
Molokwane also cited inflation and market costs, for the increase.
Over time, the cost of materials, security, fuel, and staffing have increased.
The department cannot compromise exam integrity by underfunding these critical functions.
The price reflects current market realities for secure national-standard examination handling,” remarked the spokesperson.
In addition, Molokwane said the department has adopted new plans and vision going forward, which includes protecting the integrity of the exams, local empowerment and job creation, monitoring and accountability, and skills development
Furthermore, Molokwane said the department will partner with the contractor to open a skills program for local youth interested in logistics, printing, and digital document security.
“This R100 million contract is not just an expense, it is an investment in the credibility of our education system, and most importantly, in the future of our children.
The Department has moved away from a minimal-cost model to a security-first, learner-focused approach that ensures no child is left behind due to inefficiencies.
The Department remains fully accountable to the public,” concluded Molokwane.
