Mbombela – The revelation that Mpumalanga Ministry of Education purchased 22 laptops with bids of over R91,000 each raised eyebrows and spurred criticism from political parties.
Complaints by political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF), have urged Mpumalanga Prime Minister Mandra Nadrov to enact an investigation into “irregular procurement.”
The laptop was reportedly targeted some “key” staff in the state education department.
In a statement, EFF leader and member of the Mpumalanga Legislature, Korensedibe welcomed the investigation by the state's chief minister and called on him to file criminal charges with police against false education department officials.
“The EFF in Mpumalanga is asking Mandranrov to immediately file formal complaints with public guardians and special investigators and to open a detective and corruption case with the Hawks against MEC for Education following the procurement of a 22 million laptop.”
The statement reads: “Please note the media statements released by the Prime Minister regarding irregular procurement.
“We welcome the Prime Minister's intervention by launching an internal investigation through an integrity unit housed in his office, but we are not satisfied with the internal investigation alone.”
However, speaking to the journalist, Mpumalanga Education Mec Cathy Dlamini said he welcomed the continued investigation by the Prime Minister.
Mec Dlamini also said it was established that the laptops supplied to her department were not the required specifications.
ANC spokesman Sasekani Manzini said the party would “welcome and support” the Prime Minister's decision to conduct an investigation into the procurement of laptops at the Mpumalanga Ministry of Education.
“The deal, which has been published in its response to a local council question, has led to serious public protests and suspects that the principles of public procurement, specifically the principles of cost-effectiveness, as clarified in the country's Constitution 217, have been violated or may have been violated.”
George Musetva, a spokesman for the Mpumalanga provincial government, said the Prime Minister's internal probe was at “higher stages.”
Mthethwa added:
“This means that the investigation will be enacted on this issue after he makes an announcement during oral and reply sessions at the local council,” Mthethwa said.
“The investigation is attempting to gather facts, support documents, and information and documents that are freely available in light of applicable law.”
