Latest news with #ProvincialLegislature
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. 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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.
IOL News
22-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
R3. 2 billion transport budget unveiled as Cape Town grapples with traffic problems
Cape Town's crippling traffic congestion has been thrust into the spotlight with the unveiling of a bold R3.2 billion budget by Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku, aimed at transforming the province's transport system and putting residents at the heart of long-term mobility planning. Addressing the Western Cape Provincial Legislature, Sileku said the budget prioritises public transport expansion, rail recovery, and safer communities, describing mobility as 'a basic human right and the lifeblood of the Western Cape economy". Cape Town, now ranked the 9th most congested city in the world, sees its residents lose an average of 94 hours per year in traffic, a situation Sileku said the department is urgently addressing. 'We are putting our money where our mouth is,' he declared, referencing the soon-to-be-finalised Provincial Land Transport Framework, which will be opened up to public input. The province is also boosting public transport access, with major investment in the Go George bus service, which already serves 75% of households in George and makes over 21,000 passenger trips daily. 'We are stepping up to connect communities,' said Sileku. 'This budget is about more than transport, it's a catalyst for economic growth and job creation.' Progress is also being made on reviving the long-defunct rail system. The Khayelitsha line is currently undergoing live testing, with Mitchells Plain next in line. 'This is a great win for the province, particularly for the residents of Khayelitsha, who were left with limited public transport options for more than five years,' said Sileku. Minibus taxis, which transport 1.5 million people daily in the province, are set to benefit from targeted support, including training and conflict resolution initiatives. In rural areas like the Central Karoo, the province is working to improve intertown travel and access to essential services. 'A functional public transport system encompasses passenger rail as its backbone while being supported and complemented by bus services, minibus taxis, e-hailing taxis and non-motorised transport. All these modes of public transport are vital for daily commuting,' Sileku said. Additional investments include R113 million toward the Integrated Transport Hub, R60 million for electric vehicle infrastructure, and R2 million for road safety ambassadors in high-risk areas. Bicycle distribution will continue in rural areas, helping residents, learners, and workers reach their destinations. 'We are stepping up for the economy and our residents,' said Sileku. 'This budget reflects a government that listens, plans boldly, and delivers with purpose.' Cape Argus
IOL News
22-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Cape Town's traffic woes in the spotlight as Province unveils R3. 2 billion transport budget
Cape Town's crippling traffic congestion has been thrust into the spotlight with the unveiling of a bold R3.2 billion budget by Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku, aimed at transforming the province's transport system and putting residents at the heart of long-term mobility planning. Addressing the Western Cape Provincial Legislature, Sileku said the budget prioritises public transport expansion, rail recovery, and safer communities, describing mobility as 'a basic human right and the lifeblood of the Western Cape economy". Cape Town, now ranked the 9th most congested city in the world, sees its residents lose an average of 94 hours per year in traffic, a situation Sileku said the department is urgently addressing. 'We are putting our money where our mouth is,' he declared, referencing the soon-to-be-finalised Provincial Land Transport Framework, which will be opened up to public input. The province is also boosting public transport access, with major investment in the Go George bus service, which already serves 75% of households in George and makes over 21,000 passenger trips daily. 'We are stepping up to connect communities,' said Sileku. 'This budget is about more than transport, it's a catalyst for economic growth and job creation.' Progress is also being made on reviving the long-defunct rail system. The Khayelitsha line is currently undergoing live testing, with Mitchells Plain next in line. 'This is a great win for the province, particularly for the residents of Khayelitsha, who were left with limited public transport options for more than five years,' said Sileku. Minibus taxis, which transport 1.5 million people daily in the province, are set to benefit from targeted support, including training and conflict resolution initiatives. In rural areas like the Central Karoo, the province is working to improve intertown travel and access to essential services. 'A functional public transport system encompasses passenger rail as its backbone while being supported and complemented by bus services, minibus taxis, e-hailing taxis and non-motorised transport. All these modes of public transport are vital for daily commuting,' Sileku said. Additional investments include R113 million toward the Integrated Transport Hub, R60 million for electric vehicle infrastructure, and R2 million for road safety ambassadors in high-risk areas. Bicycle distribution will continue in rural areas, helping residents, learners, and workers reach their destinations. 'We are stepping up for the economy and our residents,' said Sileku. 'This budget reflects a government that listens, plans boldly, and delivers with purpose.' IOL News
