R2 Million Laptop Splurge Stirs Backlash In Mpumalanga

The Mpumalanga Department of Education is under public scrutiny after it admitted to spending just over R2 million on 22 laptops, each costing close to R91 500, for a select group of employees in December 2024.

The laptops, described by the department as 'high-performance machines,' were acquired for use by the Education Management Information Systems EMIS and Information and Communication Technology ICT teams - units responsible for managing tech infrastructure, troubleshooting, and maintaining digital support for schools across the province, as reported by IOL .

Despite outrage over the eye-watering expense, the department insists the purchase was necessary, citing the teams' need for advanced hardware to handle resource-heavy systems. Their day-to-day tasks reportedly include overseeing Office 365 accounts, configuring multi-factor authentication, and resolving connectivity issues across schools and district offices.

However, the massive price tag has raised more questions than answers - especially as details around the supplier, software specifications, and the recipients of the devices remain concealed.

One name that quickly entered the public debate was that of Education MEC Catherine Dlamini. But the department issued a firm denial that she had any involvement in the procurement, adding that she did not receive any of the laptops.