“We have repeatedly said that we face major challenges in the provision of maths training, and this a very important way of addressing that,” she said.
She said it was never a secret that Maree was Zille’s son, and his work in using technology to teach maths had shown extremely positive results. Maree is no longer working for the government as a teacher, but has started a business with the app he developed with another maths teacher.
According to Motshekga, there was also nothing unusual about Maree using department tablets to teach his extra maths classes.
“He was doing this for us … he wasn’t going out there to use our computers to DJ.
“We as a department do what we can to assist those who want to help us. If someone is prepared to do a motivational talk for our learners, for example, we provide the venue and transport if needed.”
Mkhwebane’s investigation and report followed a complaint by the ANC’s Cameron Dugmore, a former education MEC in the Western Cape and the party’s candidate for premier.
Motshekga stressed on Thursday that her comments were being made in her official capacity as minister, and not as a member of the ANC.