Latest news with #MpumalangaDepartmentofEducation
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga primary school pupils treated for food poisoning after eating oranges
The schoolchildren had headaches, upset stomachs and started vomiting. The Mpumalanga Department of Education is investigating after 30 pupils were rushed to hospital after showing symptoms of food poisoning. Primary school pupils rushed to hospital It is alleged that on Thursday last week the pupils from MP Mokoena Primary School in Marite, Bushbuckridge, were rushed to Mapulaneng Hospital where they were treated for food poisoning. They complained about headaches, vomiting and had upset stomachs. The Mpumalanga Department of Education's head of communication Jasper Zwane confirmed the incident and said an investigation was underway to establish the cause of the illness. 'Indeed, there were 30 learners who complained about stomach pains. They were rushed to the hospital, they were observed and released the same day. They were back in class the following day. The cause is yet to be confirmed,' said Zwane. ALSO READ: SA's food poisoning crisis: Government's response isn't dealing with the real issues Mpumalanga Department of Health spokesperson Dumisani Malamule added: 'All the learners were stable, none had severe symptoms. They were seen by doctors. All the learners were discharged with treatment to take home on the same day.' Oranges blamed for food poisoning A parent, who did not want to be named, said during a meeting held at the school, it was established that the children had eaten oranges just an hour before they started vomiting. 'We were told that our children were given oranges contaminated with the chemicals used to spray at the farm. Remember, these are young children, mostly from the lower grades, so they did not wash the fruit before consuming them,' said a worried mother. Recently, South Africa has experienced many food poisoning incidents in which pupils were hospitalised. NOW READ: 'This feels like a curse' – Emotions run high at memorial for Naledi food poisoning victims
The Citizen
05-05-2025
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Heads to roll in MP laptop saga
Here's your daily news update for Monday, 5 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, all Mpumalanga Department of Education officials will face disciplinary action for the irregular procurement of 22 laptops for a staggering R2 million. Meanwhile, an Eastern Cape mother can now breathe a sigh of relief after a murder charge against her – stemming from the death of a man who allegedly raped her daughter – was withdrawn. Furthermore, the DA says the United States' intervention in the Democratic Republic of Congo was more fruitful than the Southern African Development Community peacekeeping mission. Weather tomorrow: 6 May 2025 Extremely high fire danger is expected in the Nama Khoi municipality, while most provinces enjoy cool, fine weather. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. R2 million laptop saga triggers disciplinary action in Mpumalanga education department All Mpumalanga Department of Education officials, including the head of the department, will face disciplinary action for the irregular procurement of 22 laptops for a staggering R2 million. Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu released the much-anticipated findings of an investigation into the so-called Mpumalanga laptop saga on Monday morning. Laptop on a classroom desk surrounded by school supplies. Picture: iStock The Department of Education purchased 22 laptops and a printer for R2 million, which means each laptop cost over R91,482.50, well above the market price. CONTINUE READING: R2 million laptop saga triggers disciplinary action in Mpumalanga education department Murder charge dropped against EC mother who confronted daughter's alleged rapist A mother from the Eastern Cape can now breathe a sigh of relief after a murder charge against her – stemming from the death of a man who allegedly raped her daughter – was withdrawn. On Monday, the 44-year-old woman made her appearance in the Cacadu Magistrate's Court, formerly known as Lady Frere, facing a charge of murder. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane in Cacadu on 5 May 2025. Picture: Eastern Cape government The incident occurred on 5 April, when the woman reportedly caught a 65-year-old man in the act of raping her disabled daughter at his residence in a village in Cacadu. It is alleged that the man was beaten to death by the mother and other locals. She was subsequently arrested and charged with murder but was granted R500 bail on 10 April. CONTINUE READING: Murder charge dropped against EC mother who confronted daughter's alleged rapist SANDF in DRC: Trump administration did what SA couldn't, says DA The DA has questioned South Africa's intervention in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after reports that the United States government is on course to broker a peace deal between rival groups in the region. This comes as South African troops make their way home after Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces withdrew from the DRC. Members of the M23 armed group board a pickup truck as they leave to carry out a patrol. Picture: AFP DA spokesperson on defence and military veterans Chris Hattingh told The Citizen that Washington's intervention was more fruitful than the SADC peacekeeping mission. 'The recent peace breakthrough between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda didn't come from years of regional mediation, it came swiftly from Washington.' CONTINUE READING: SANDF in DRC: Trump administration did what SA couldn't, says DA Blitzboks win Sevens World Championship in Los Angeles South Africa's Blitzboks saved their best for last this season as they went all the way in Los Angeles on Sunday to lift the World Championship title. Philip Snyman's team beat Spain in the final of the elite eight-team tournament, following the regular season. The Blitzboks celebrate with the trophy after winning the men's Sevens LA World Championship at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles on Sunday. Picture: Patrick T Fallon/AFP The Blitzboks won 19-5 in California early Monday morning (SA time) to end a perfect weekend. In the semi-final, they beat New Zealand 26-5, while on day one of the tournament they won all three of their pool matches — against France (19-10), Great Britain (12-7) and Argentina (29-21).. CONTINUE READING: Blitzboks win Sevens World Championship in Los Angeles Free State asbestos trial: Investigating officer denies misleading US over Cholota's extradition The state has denied misleading the United States (US) government to secure the extradition of Moroadi Cholota, former personal assistant to ex-Free State premier Ace Magashule. A trial-within-a-trial began on Monday at the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein as part of the R255 million asbestos corruption case. Cholota is contesting the court's jurisdiction and the legality of her extradition from the US. Former Free State premier Ace Magashule speaks to his former PA Moroadi Cholota at Bloemfontein High Court on 15 April 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Mlungisi Louw She was extradited to South Africa on 8 August 2024 to face charges alongside Magashule and 16 others related to fraud and corruption. Money laundering charges against her were recently withdrawn after the US declined to extradite her on those grounds. CONTINUE READING: Free State asbestos trial: Investigating officer denies misleading US over Cholota's extradition Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: SANDF's withdrawal from DRC | ANC told to ditch DA| Mbeki accused of trying to save his reputation
The Citizen
05-05-2025
- The Citizen
R2 million laptop saga triggers disciplinary action in Mpumalanga education department
All implicated officials will be disciplined after the department paid more than R91 000 each for 22 laptops, violating procurement rules. All Mpumalanga Department of Education officials, including the head of the department, will face disciplinary action for the irregular procurement of 22 laptops for a staggering R2 million. Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu released the much-anticipated findings of an investigation into the so-called Mpumalanga laptop saga on Monday morning. The Department of Education purchased 22 laptops and a printer for R2 million, which means each laptop cost over R91,482.50, well above the market price. 22 laptops for R2 million The premier instituted an investigation at the beginning of April 2025 to gather facts after a whistleblower first alerted Ndlovu of the matter on 15 February. 'After receiving an unsatisfactory response from the department, I then instructed the Chief Directorate: Integrity, Forensic Investigation and Security Management within the office of the premier to conduct an investigation into the procurement of the 22 laptops by the education department at a cost of R91 482.50 each,' he said during a media briefing. ALSO READ: Wasteful expenditure? This is what a R91 000 laptop gets you [VIDEO] Based on the information they gathered, the interviews they conducted, and the supporting documentation, the provincial government concluded that officials had materially flawed the procurement process. The investigation revealed that departmental officials irregularly specified a particular brand and locality for laptop procurement, limiting supplier responses. They accepted non-compliant laptops with varied specifications without a proper process and didn't negotiate a lesser price, resulting in overpayment. Laptop procurement process flawed The investigation also revealed that the process involved misrepresentation and possible fraud. The supplier and department officials misrepresented various aspects of the laptop procurement process, including compliance with specifications, procurement procedures, and payment amounts, leading to improper payments for inferior goods. Ndlovu said department officials acted dishonestly by investigating a matter in which they were implicated, hiding their involvement, providing false information, and misleading senior leaders, including the MEC, by providing inaccurate information. ALSO READ: Not adding up: More than 400 schools don't teach Mathematics The service provider also acted in a grossly dishonest manner when attempting to cover up its failure to comply with the agreed specifications. The department hired a service provider to supply 22 Dell XPS 15 laptops and 1 HP printer for R2 020 883.45. A market scan showed Dell XPS 16 laptops are the most expensive, and Dell XPS 13 laptops are the least expensive. The investigation revealed that departmental officials — including those who approved the procurement and served on the relevant committees — failed to comply with the State Information Technology Agency (Sita) guidelines for procuring IT equipment. Dept officials and service provider 'acted dishonestly' The officials also violated sections of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) concerning financial management and internal controls, ignored Public Service Act provisions for correcting errors, and potentially breached the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act by enabling a service provider to defraud the department. The Office of the Premier recommended that the department recover financial losses from the service provider, blacklist the provider, discipline implicated officials, and conduct lifestyle audits on those officials. ALSO READ: Schooling the system: Experts urge SA to learn from Oprah academy's trauma-informed model A governance review will assess the department's governance and accountability arrangements, compliance with regulations, and reporting quality. The premier said a provincial team will be established to identify and enhance weak internal controls in ICT procurement and monitor compliance with ICT procurement regulations. Progress report on 30 June The premier's office will release a progress report on 30 June, detailing the implementation of all the recommendations derived from this investigation report. 'I want to assure the people of Mpumalanga and the country that this government is committed to clean, ethical and transparent governance,' Ndlovu said. Watch Premier Ndlovu release the findings of the investigation here:
IOL News
05-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
R2m laptop rip-off: Officials bought cheaper models, lied to Premier – Mpumalanga Education Department crackdown begins
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has promised full accountability and legal action after forensic investigation has exposed how officials in the Mpumalanga Education Department approved the purchase of inferior laptops at inflated prices Senior officials, including the head of department (HOD), at the Mpumalanga Department of Education will face disciplinary action after an investigation revealed irregularities in the procurement of 22 laptops worth over R2 million, Premier Mandla Ndlovu announced. The laptops were purchased in December 2024 at a cost of R91,482.50 each. IOL News previously reported that the department admitted that the devices were acquired at a high cost, stating they were intended for the Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teams. Other officials whose responsibilities require high-performance computing also benefited. In a statement, the department clarified that Education MEC Catherine Dlamini was not among the recipients. Ndlovu said during a Monday media briefing in Mbombela that he was alerted to the issue by a whistleblower on February 15, 2025. He said after receiving an unsatisfactory response from the department, he instructed the Office of the Premier's Integrity, Forensic Investigation and Security Management Chief Directorate to launch an investigation. 'The procurement of the 22 laptops and a printer, at a cost of R91,482.50 each, appeared to be an anomaly,' said Ndlovu. The investigation was conducted in line with Chapter 10, Section 195(1) of the Constitution and the administration's priority of building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. It sought to determine whether the procurement complied with applicable prescripts such as the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) regulations. According to the findings, the procurement process was 'materially flawed' and did not comply with Section 217 of the Constitution, nor Sections 38 and 45 of the PFMA. 'The process was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, or cost-effective,' said Ndlovu. 'The supplier failed to comply with the purchase order and delivered laptops of lesser quality than what was approved and paid for.' Departmental officials allegedly specified a particular brand instead of functional requirements, limiting the bidding to specific suppliers within Mbombela. This contravened procurement regulations that require broader market engagement, Ndlovu said. Officials also accepted delivery of laptops not matching the approved specifications, which had been improperly changed by an unauthorised official. The Bid Adjudication Committee's condition to negotiate pricing before the order was ignored. The department paid for Dell XPS 15 laptops at R91,482.50 each, despite market comparisons showing similar or better models available for far less. Ndlovu said, for example, Dell XPS 13 costs R59,200.00, Dell XPS 14 is R64,579.52, Dell XPS 15 priced at R66,095.00 while Dell XPS 16 is R73,189.68. He said only two of the laptops delivered were Dell XPS 14s in October 2024, while 20 XPS 13s were delivered in December 2024, none of which aligned with the procurement specifications. Ndlovu said officials misrepresented several aspects of the transaction, including the procurement process, delivery quality, and value of the goods. Some individuals implicated in the procurement also participated in the internal investigation, which Ndlovu called "grossly dishonest." 'The supplier attempted to conceal non-compliance with specifications, and department officials misled both the Premier and the MEC,' he said. The report also found that officials failed to comply with the SITA RFB 740-2020 Engagement Model, governing purchases of IT equipment and services for government departments. Ndlovu said the provincial government intends to recover the financial losses from the service provider, blacklist the company from future tenders, and report it to SITA. 'We will also institute disciplinary action against all implicated officials, including the HOD,' said Ndlovu, citing relevant legislation such as the Public Service Act of 1994, the Public Finance Management Act of 1999, and the Senior Management Handbook. He added that lifestyle reviews, which may lead to full lifestyle audits, will be conducted on all implicated officials, including a broader governance review of the department will also be undertaken. 'A progress report on the implementation of all recommendations will be made public on June 30, 2025,' Ndlovu added. IOL News
IOL News
22-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Is the R2 million Mpumalanga laptop scandal coming to an end? Premier Ndlovu promises transparency
Premier Mandla Ndlovu has announced that the investigation into the Mpumalanga Department of Education's controversial R2 million laptop purchase is approaching its conclusion. The acquisition of 22 Dell XPS 16 laptops, each costing R91,480, has ignited widespread outrage and raised serious concerns regarding government spending priorities and procurement practices. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ During an oral reply session at the Provincial Legislature, Premier Ndlovu confirmed that the investigation is 'at an advanced stage' and that transparency would be ensured. '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 finalised without undue pressure,' said Ndlovu. The Premier emphasised the 7th administration's commitment to good governance, noting the importance of 'sound financial grounds' in state acquisitions. 'The decision is testament to the commitment of the 7th administration to the priorities, as set out in the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), one of which is the building of a capable, ethical and developmental state,' he said. IOL previously reported that the Department of Education has since confirmed the purchase, stating that the laptops were bought in December 2024 for employees within the Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teams. According to the department, 'Other officials whose operational responsibilities require high-performance computing equipment also benefited.' In a formal statement released Saturday, the department acknowledged the high cost of the devices but emphasised their importance to operations that include managing Office 365 accounts, supporting schools, troubleshooting, and handling real-time technical support. Tasks listed included resetting passwords via Active Directory, rebuilding accounts, and configuring multi-factor authentication. Despite speculation, Education MEC Catherine Dlamini was not involved in the procurement process. 'It must be emphasised that the MEC was not involved in the procurement process at any stage, nor did she receive any of the laptops in question,' the department clarified. 'By law, the MEC is not involved in any procurement processes. To implicate her or her office in this matter is both misleading and unjust and undermines the principles of fair and transparent administration.' In the Legislature, Dlamini confirmed she is still using a second-hand laptop issued to her upon taking office in July 2024. She acknowledged the steep price of the new laptops, stating that each would cost approximately R91,482.50. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the province has called for swift and independent action. In an interview on Newzroom Afrika, DA member of the Mpumalanga Legislature, Annerie Weber criticised the expenditure, saying: 'It was shocking when the news broke. It's R91,480 per laptop. This is a really shocking state of events.' She questioned the necessity of such high-end laptops for departmental use, stating that more affordable models could have sufficed. 'The department went by a Polo, which they needed, but they actually bought a Rolls-Royce.' Weber added, 'This is an exuberant amount of money. It's a waste of expenditure. In a province where we have more than 1,700 vacant positions and there's no money to fill these positions, it is not acceptable to spend two million rand on laptops.' She also raised concerns over whether the purchase adhered to State Information Technology Agency (SITA) guidelines, which are intended to ensure government equipment is certified and cost-effective. 'SITA is very, very important to ensure that we don't buy fake or weak equipment for our government institutions.' The DA has pledged to push for accountability and will seek confirmation on whether the procurement was SITA-compliant, as well as whether the hardware matched the department's actual needs. The final report from the investigation is expected to be released in the coming week.
