Mpumalanga Education Department
By Nkosana Khumalo
The investigation into the Mpumalanga Department of Education’s controversial purchase of 22 laptops for R2 million is nearing its conclusion, according to Premier Mandla Ndlovu. The probe, which has sparked widespread public interest, aims to uncover the truth behind the costly acquisition and ensure transparency in the province’s governance.
Premier Ndlovu Commits to Transparency
Speaking through the Mpumalanga Provincial Government spokesperson George Mthethwa on 22 April 2025, Premier Ndlovu assured the public that the investigation is at an advanced stage. “PREMIER NDLOVU SAYS INVESTIGATION IN THE ACQUISITION OF LAPTOPS IS TO BE FINALIZED SOON,” Mthethwa relayed. The Premier emphasized that the investigation seeks to gather facts, verify documentation, and ensure compliance with applicable legislation.
Ndlovu highlighted that the 7th administration is guided by principles of good governance, as outlined in the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP). This plan prioritizes building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. “Because of the seriousness of this issue, once the investigation is finalised next week, we will inform the public. In the interest of fair administrative justice, I urge you all to allow the investigation to be finalized without undue pressure,” Ndlovu stated, underscoring his commitment to transparency.
The investigation was launched following concerns raised in the provincial legislature about the procurement process, which saw the department spend R2,020,883.45 on 22 laptops, each costing approximately R91,858.34.
Background: A Costly Purchase Sparks Outrage
The controversy began when Education MEC Landulile “Cathy” Dlamini responded to questions from EFF lawmaker Ntsako Precious Mkhabela during a provincial legislature session. Mkhabela demanded clarity on why the laptops, purchased in December 2024, were acquired at such a high cost and whether they met procurement specifications.
Dlamini revealed that each laptop cost R91,482.50, with the total expenditure amounting to R2,020,883.45. She clarified that the laptops were intended for office-based officials, including administrators and school managers, to handle administrative tasks such as password resets, email connectivity, and user account management. “These materials are not classified as Learner Teacher Material and thus should be procured through the SITA contract,” Dlamini explained.
Mkhabela pressed further, questioning the type of laptop that could justify such a price. “We want to know what type of laptop this is. I just want to ask the MEC to at least give us the name of this laptop so that we know we are talking about a R91,000 laptop because we have never seen such a laptop in all the shops,” she said. Dlamini, citing the technical nature of the query, promised to provide a written response.
Sources within the department later confirmed that the laptops were Dell XPS 16 models. A quick online search revealed that these high-performance laptops retail at similar prices on platforms like Takealot, suggesting that the cost may align with market rates for premium devices. The laptops are reportedly used by the Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teams, which require advanced hardware to manage Office 365 accounts, configure multi-factor authentication, and resolve connectivity issues across schools.
Procurement Process Under Scrutiny
Dlamini emphasized that the procurement followed national protocols, utilizing a panel of suppliers approved by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA). SITA, a public entity under the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies led by Minister Solly Malatsi, is responsible for managing IT procurement for all state entities. Its mandate ensures that purchases are compliant, cost-effective, and standardized.
According to SITA, only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) distributors registered on the Central Supplier Database and bound by a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) can supply IT products to government departments. The MoA aims to “enable procurement of standards-based, cost-effective, high-quality solutions for deployment in government, fulfilling the requirements of the e-Government House of Value.” OEM products must undergo a Technology Certification Process, and only certified products can be supplied. Without a valid MoA, no products are certified, and existing certifications are revoked if an MoA lapses.
A preliminary report from the department’s internal investigation, as disclosed by Dlamini, indicated that the service provider failed to deliver as per the agreed specifications. “The matter is currently being investigated through the Integrity Management Unit in the Office of the Premier,” she said. The department has refrained from further comment pending the investigation’s outcome.
MEC Dlamini Distances Herself from Procurement
Departmental spokesperson Jasper Zwane was adamant that MEC Dlamini was not involved in the procurement process. “It must be emphasized that the MEC was not involved in the procurement process at any stage, nor did she receive any of the laptops in question,” Zwane stated. He added that, by law, the MEC does not participate in procurement processes, and any suggestion of her involvement is “misleading and unjust.”
Dlamini confirmed that she continues to use a second-hand laptop inherited from her predecessor when she assumed her role in July 2024. This clarification came in response to Mkhabela’s suggestion that Dlamini might have been a beneficiary of the costly laptops.
Public and Political Backlash
The R2 million price tag has fueled public outrage, with many South Africans questioning the justification for such an expense. Social media platforms have been abuzz with allegations of wasteful expenditure and potential corruption, particularly given the department’s history of financial controversies. For instance, a previous case involved a school principal being paid for six years without working, further eroding public trust.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga, led by MPL Anneliese Weber, has called for the investigation to be expanded to other departments, citing systemic issues in procurement processes. The EFF, through Mkhabela, has demanded greater transparency, urging the department to disclose the laptop specifications and supplier details.
SITA’s Role and Challenges
SITA’s involvement has also come under scrutiny. While the agency is designed to streamline IT procurement, it has faced criticism from various government departments. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development have previously blamed SITA for operational inefficiencies. In response, Minister Malatsi has proposed amending SITA’s regulations to allow smaller departments to procure independently, a move opposed by some parliamentary leaders who argue that SITA’s mandate is essential for digitalizing public services.
Despite these challenges, SITA’s processes are intended to ensure cost-effectiveness and standardization. The MoA with OEMs and the Technology Certification Process are critical components of this framework, aimed at preventing overpricing and ensuring quality. However, the high cost of the laptops has raised questions about whether these mechanisms were effectively applied in this case.
Broader Context: Mpumalanga’s Anti-Corruption Efforts
The laptop investigation aligns with broader efforts by Premier Ndlovu to combat corruption and maladministration in Mpumalanga. In February 2025, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) launched a probe into tender irregularities in the Mpumalanga Education Department, focusing on six tenders related to food supplies for boarding schools. Ndlovu welcomed the SIU investigation, urging officials to cooperate fully and emphasizing the importance of accountability.
Additionally, in July 2024, the SIU, Hawks, and Asset Forfeiture Unit seized assets worth R52.6 million linked to a corruption network within the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works. These actions reflect Ndlovu’s commitment to rooting out corruption, as he stated, “We have got various institutions here in South Africa that we have created to deal with corruption, to deal with misadministration, to deal with even crime.”
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