Mpumalanga government recovers R685k from laptop scandal as HOD Lucy Moyane returns to work
Following a forensic investigation into the 22-laptop tender, the Mpumalanga Department of Education recovers most of the misappropriated funds. HOD Lucy Moyane receives a written warning, while disciplinary hearings continue for other officials.
Image: File.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government says it has recovered R685,712.70 of the R855,712.70 claimed from a service provider in connection with the 22-laptop tender investigation, with the remaining R170,000 expected to be settled by the end of January 2026.
The scandal, which unfolded in 2025, attracted significant public attention and drew scrutiny from both citizens and civil society organisations.
It stems from the Mpumalanga Department of Education’s purchase of 22 Dell XPS 16 laptops at R91,480 each, part of a R2 million contract that also included accessories such as wireless mice, laptop bags, and an HP printer.
The acquisition, completed in December 2024 for the Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teams, sparked outrage and raised questions about government spending and procurement practices.
Premier Mandla Ndlovu welcomed the recovery of funds, calling it a positive step but stressing the need to recover the full amount.
“The recovery of the money is a positive step, but we must ensure that the full amount is recovered. I am pleased that the service provider has assured the department that the remaining balance will be settled by the end of the month.
''I am also glad that the disciplinary hearing concerning the HOD has been concluded,” he said.
Six departmental employees faced disciplinary proceedings over the matter. One employee had charges withdrawn due to lack of evidence, while the Deputy Director of ICT resigned immediately after being served with charges.
Three employees are currently undergoing hearings, and one hearing was suspended due to ongoing litigation, said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu said the department had all implicated officials undergo lifestyle reviews through an external service provider, and the report did not identify any material findings.
The provincial government said the disciplinary process involving Head of Department (HOD) Lucy Moyane has been concluded.
Following a forensic investigation into the tender, Moyane faced five charges but was found guilty only on the first, related to negligence in approving the BAC recommendation, for which she was issued a written warning.
She is expected to resume her duties on January 19 2026.
Premier Ndlovu said the conclusion of the process demonstrates Mpumalanga’s commitment to ethical governance, accountability, and transparency.
“We welcome the conclusion of this process because it affirms a principle of accountability that must remain non-negotiable in a constitutional democracy: accountability must always be pursued through due process and fairness.
''We must act responsibly, investigate thoroughly, and allow the facts to lead us. That is what clean governance requires,” he said.
He added that consequence management remains a cornerstone of good governance, noting that all allegations of misconduct are taken seriously while ensuring disciplinary processes are lawful, balanced, and respect the rights of all parties.
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