By Lungile Ntimba
Mpumalanga premier Mandla Ndlovu has confirmed the suspension of provincial education HOD Lucy Moyane following a forensic investigation, which uncovered serious procurement irregularities linked to a R2 million laptop deal.
This decision was discussed during a provincial executive council meeting on Wednesday in Mbombela.
It was also revealed that Godfrey Ntombela, the HOD for the culture, sport and recreation department, was suspended following a separate investigation by the Special Investigating Unit concerning irregular Covid-19 procurement processes.
The premier’s spokesperson, George Mthethwa, said on Thursday that both suspensions were based on the recommendations of their respective investigation reports and would remain in effect until the cases were finalised.
Acting heads have been appointed in the interim to ensure there is no disruption in service delivery.
Pushed for more details, he told Inside Education that a comprehensive report detailing the implementation of the recommendations on the laptop probe would be released by the end of June.
According to the investigation, eight officials from the education department allegedly misrepresented procurement processes, manipulated specifications and approved the delivery of laptops that did not meet the agreed requirements.
In December last year, the department spent R2 million on a printer and 22 office laptops, with each costing R91,482.50.
Market comparison revealed that the laptops had a market value as low as R59,200, indicating gross overpayment and possible fraud.
Earlier this month, Ndlovu told reporters at a media briefing that all implicated officials would face charges under the Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, the Public Finance Management Act and other applicable statutes.
He said the supplier would be blacklisted on the national and provincial Treasury registers for tender defaulters, and the matter would be reported to State Information Technology Agency for further action.
INSIDE EDUCATION
