On Tuesday Minister Motshekga’s office released a statement dismissing allegations that the Basic Education Minister and her family is in any way involved in COVID-19 tender procurement.
The allegations, which is reportedly fake news, has been making the rounds on various social media platforms, implicating the Minister’s husband, Dr. Mathole Motshekga, in the production of sanitisers for schools.
According to the statement, “The allegations are absolutely not true and totally malicious. Dr. Mathole Motshekga, husband to Minister Angie Motshekga, does not own or plan to own a factory that produces or supplies sanitisers or personal protective equipment to schools,”.
The Minister’s office reiterated that Dr. Motshekga is a politician in his own right as well as a long-standing Member of Parliament. He currently serves as chairperson of the Ad-Hoc Committee of Section 25 on the Expropriation of Land.
“Dr. Motshekga is a Professor of Law and Political Science, recognised by many prestigious universities in the country. He spends his time reading, writing, and giving local and international lectures on African Heritage, Laws, and Political Science.”
“Further allegations that the Kara Heritage Institute, which Dr. Motshekga founded, sells books to schools, is a blatant lie. The institute is not a commercial business and has no interest whatsoever in doing business with the government, let alone the Department of Basic Education.”
Meanwhile, the Minister has condemned all forms of corruption, saying that education is the only way to reverse poverty.
“Schools do not only provide an education, but they are important institutions that provide for the holistic well-being of children. A long absence from school puts younger children at a high risk of social decadence and delinquent behaviours such as crime, drug addiction, and unplanned pregnancies, hence it is important to keep children in school for as long as possible,” she said.
