Mpumalanga Department of Education spends R2 million on 22 laptops

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The Department of Education in Mpumalanga paid a whopping R2 million for 22 new laptops for its employees.

According to MyBroadband, Landulile Dlamini, the MEC of Education in the province, revealed in a question-and-answer session during the provincial legislature that occurred this week.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IN MPUMALANGA PAYS R2 MILLION FOR LAPTOPS

Dlamini said the new laptops cost R91,482.50 each, which would mean the total amount for the 22 laptops, when combined, would be R2,012,615.00.

However, the total cost came to R2,020,883.45, which results in an average price of R91,858.34 per laptop, indicating a calculation discrepancy of R8,268.48.

EFF MP Ntsako Precious Mkhabela suggested that Dlamini had received one of the laptops.

However, Dlamini denied being one of the beneficiaries of the laptop and said that she still uses the second-hand laptop she was given when she joined the department.

When questioned about the brand and software of the laptop, given its steep price, Dlamini promised to respond in writing.

She did, however, mention that the laptops were procured through the SITA contract.

The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) is an IT business for the largest employer and consumer of IT products and services in South Africa, the Government.

Dlamini said, “The department did not overlook PMU processes. These materials are not classified as LTSM — that is, learner-teacher support material — and thus should be procured through the SITA contract.”

MKHONDO BOARDING SCHOOL OPENING DELAYS SPARK CONCERN

The long-awaited opening of Mkhondo Boarding School in Mpumalanga remains unopened.

According to The Citizen, the Premier of the province, Mandla Ndlovu, had announced that the school would be open in the second term.

Also, the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT), which is responsible for the project, has been quiet about the completion date.

The MEC for public works, roads and transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, visited the construction site in March 2025 and said the completion was in progress.

He said, “The effective execution of an acceleration plan over the last few months has produced remarkable progress on this project. The team is working around the clock to complete and wrap up this project. We are pushing full steam with unwavering determination to conclude the remaining works.”

The construction of the school began in 2019, with a R200 million budget and was expected to be completed after one year and 6 months.

However, six years later, the construction of the school still has not been completed.

The Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature’s portfolio committee on public works, roads and transport said that the Covid-19 national lockdown delayed the completion of the project due to limited funding availability.