'Mafia bosses education'
South Africa came last in an evaluation of maths and science education across the world Education in Eastern Cape is allegedly controlled by a clique that uses blackmail and intimidation to keep its members' pockets full. A two-month investigation by The Times's sister publication, The Herald , also revealed claims by female education department officials that they are pressurised at out-of-town junkets into having sex with "top dogs" in exchange for a promotion. The clique - dubbed the Education Mafia - has infiltrated a number of the provincial department's 28 directorates, with some members holding key positions. This allegedly enables them to manipulate tender procedures and financial plans, influence policy discussions and stymie internal investigations. The group has also allegedly drawn up a ''hit list'' of education officials its members want fired for standing in their way . The deputy direc...