QONCE - The Eastern Cape Education Department has denied accusations that it faces a myriad of financial challenges.
That's despite widespread criticism over the non-payment of retired workers and not attending to the needs of the many schools in the province.
The latest accusations follow the department’s decision to stop procuring goods and services with immediate effect.
The department received an estimated R40-billion budget this financial year, leaving people wondering where the money went.
While some schools say they’ve become desperate for help, the department says there’s no need to panic.
Spokesperson Vuyiseka Mboxela says officials are focusing on cutting down on unnecessary expenses while prioritising important needs.
The department says it will continue working with partners to ensure a good and quality education in a vast province with over 5,000 schools.
* eNCA's Ronald Masinda reports.