R2 Million Laptop Spend Sparks Outrage

The Mpumalanga Department of Education is facing public backlash after admitting it spent over R2 million on just 22 laptops — each costing nearly R91,500 — in December 2024.

The laptops were reportedly purchased for the department’s Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teams. These units are responsible for overseeing digital systems in schools across the province, including managing Office 365 accounts, handling multi-factor authentication, and resolving connectivity problems.

According to the department, the laptops are “high-performance machines” needed for technical support. However, the high cost has triggered public concern, with many questioning the transparency of the procurement process.

Critics argue that the price per device is excessive, especially since details about the supplier, laptop specifications, and recipients remain undisclosed. Civil society group AfriForum has called for clarity, demanding the release of procurement details, including the supplier’s name and the technical specs that justify the price.

Education MEC Catherine Dlamini’s name was also brought into the debate, but the department firmly denied her involvement. Dlamini stated in a legislature session that she still uses a second-hand laptop issued when she took office in July 2024 and chose not to upgrade to save costs.

When asked about the laptops’ brand or software, Dlamini admitted she didn’t know but promised to submit a written response once she received details from officials.

Calls for an independent investigation are growing, with many questioning how the department, which often claims to face budget constraints, could justify such a hefty purchase for so few devices. As the department remains silent on further disclosures, public trust continues to erode.