Home » News By Chulumanco Mahamba Laptop on a classroom desk surrounded by school supplies All Mpumalanga Department of Education officials will face disciplinary action for the irregular procurement of 22 laptops for a staggering R2 million Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu released the much-anticipated findings of an investigation into the so-called Mpumalanga laptop saga on Monday morning The Department of Education purchased 22 laptops and a printer for R2 million which means each laptop cost over R91,482.50 The premier instituted an investigation at the beginning of April 2025 to gather facts after a whistleblower first alerted Ndlovu of the matter on 15 February “After receiving an unsatisfactory response from the department I then instructed the Chief Directorate: Integrity Forensic Investigation and Security Management within the office of the premier to conduct an investigation into the procurement of the 22 laptops by the education department at a cost of R91 482.50 each,” he said during a media briefing ALSO READ: Wasteful expenditure? This is what a R91 000 laptop gets you [VIDEO] the provincial government concluded that officials had materially flawed the procurement process The investigation revealed that departmental officials irregularly specified a particular brand and locality for laptop procurement They accepted non-compliant laptops with varied specifications without a proper process and didn’t negotiate a lesser price The investigation also revealed that the process involved misrepresentation and possible fraud The supplier and department officials misrepresented various aspects of the laptop procurement process leading to improper payments for inferior goods Ndlovu said department officials acted dishonestly by investigating a matter in which they were implicated ALSO READ: Not adding up: More than 400 schools don’t teach Mathematics The service provider also acted in a grossly dishonest manner when attempting to cover up its failure to comply with the agreed specifications The department hired a service provider to supply 22 Dell XPS 15 laptops and 1 HP printer for R2 020 883.45 A market scan showed Dell XPS 16 laptops are the most expensive and Dell XPS 13 laptops are the least expensive The investigation revealed that departmental officials — including those who approved the procurement and served on the relevant committees — failed to comply with the State Information Technology Agency (Sita) guidelines for procuring IT equipment The officials also violated sections of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) concerning financial management and internal controls ignored Public Service Act provisions for correcting errors and potentially breached the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act by enabling a service provider to defraud the department The Office of the Premier recommended that the department recover financial losses from the service provider and conduct lifestyle audits on those officials ALSO READ: Schooling the system: Experts urge SA to learn from Oprah academy’s trauma-informed model A governance review will assess the department’s governance and accountability arrangements The premier said a provincial team will be established to identify and enhance weak internal controls in ICT procurement and monitor compliance with ICT procurement regulations The premier’s office will release a progress report on 30 June detailing the implementation of all the recommendations derived from this investigation report “I want to assure the people of Mpumalanga and the country that this government is committed to clean ethical and transparent governance,” Ndlovu said has visited the family of missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu in Kwa Mhlanga as part of government efforts to reaffirm its commitment to media freedom and the safety of journalists Ndlovu was reported missing along with his partner Their disappearance has sparked concern among media professionals and human rights groups Speaking to public broadcaster Morolong said police investigations were progressing we met with the police and had quite an engaged discussion on the progress registered thus far We can safely report that we are confident the police will make pronouncements on the strides made in this case The sense we have received from the police is that there has been significant progress registered with respect to the investigation,” he said He confirmed that the case is being jointly handled by police teams from both Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces “There is a joint investigation between the Gauteng and Mpumalanga police to crack this case We are encouraged by the fact that these investigations seem to be yielding some bit of progress,” Morolong added Morolong further added that while the government was encouraged by updates it was careful not to reveal sensitive details “We are in no position to delve into the discussions that ensued between ourselves and the police because we are quite careful not to compromise these ongoing investigations we are quite content with what we have received as updates from the police,” he stated He also commended the resilience of Ndlovu’s family and pledged continued government support “We came to this family and our mother here welcomed us warmly She is continuing to receive support from the National Trust Council We will also continue to provide support in all ways and forms possible as government because we attach a high premium to media freedom,” said Morolong As a team hoping to qualify for Caf competition next season Stellenbosch were on the end of a convincing 3-0 win against Golden Arrows in their latest Betway Premiership assignment at the Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday afternoon While Devin Titus opened the scoring in the 14th minute goals by Lesiba Nku and Thabo Moloisane were enough for Stellies to grab maximum points on away soil Following a relatively slow start to the game Stellenbosch edged their opponents in the ball possession count early on and were patient in their build-up play going forward Arrows were left to defend their quarters as a result of Stellies' early advantage on the ball Stellenbosch took the lead in the 14th minute as Devin Titus added his name to the scoresheet following a right-footed effort from outside the 18-yard area Sbonelo Cele and Kagiso Malinga produced attempts at goal in quick succession but were unable to get the ball beyond Masuluke Oscarine between the sticks Stellenbosch continued to create chances but often fell short when it mattered most the travelling side went into the break with their lead intact The Cape Winelands side looked lively after the restart as seen with goal-scoring attempts by Titus who proved to be a tricky customer throughout the tie Stellenbosch doubled their advantage in the 71st minute as second-half substitute Lesiba Nku joined Titus on the scoreboard Nku made sure to guide the ball home with a header inside the six-yard box Stellenbosch tripled their advantage a minute after Nku’s effort as Thabo Moloisane showcased his aerial ability via a headed effort from close range Stellenbosch saw out the game efficiently with three goals to the good Home | South Africa Mpumalanga’s Health Department says it recorded lower numbers of malaria cases this financial year with three people dying in the Lowveld region The three victims contracted the disease in Bushbuckridge The department has embarked on an awareness campaign to educate communities about the symptoms of malaria Mpumalanga Health MEC Sasekani Manzini says the department has recorded just over 1 000 cases compared to the last financial year of t 2 078 cases “We are doing well as far as malaria is concerned And what is good is that in terms of deaths in the last financial year we had 21 deaths but this financial year we 24/25 have only registered three cases – one The long-simmering political tension between Mpumalanga EFF chairperson Collen Sedibe and ANC education MEC Cathy Dlamini has exploded into a legal battle after she instructed her attorneys to pursue defamation charges against him over what her legal team calls “nasty and defamatory” Facebook posts coincide with public outrage over his multimillion-rand lifestyle which includes a R6-million Mercedes G63 Brabus Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Tel: +27 11 268 6300 Fundudzi Media (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms & conditions and privacy policy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma) SA News African News World News The Club House Podcasts & Videos More Motsepe-Foundation-Championship Ngwenya is best remembered for the remarkable goal he scored against Venda University of Technology in last year's Varsity Cup READ: Foster to return in Burnley's title decider? hailing from Mayflower in Mpumalanga province had previously trained with AmaZulu FC's DStv Diski Challenge team he did not secure a contract after then Usuthu DDC team coach who recommended him for signing was promoted to the first team to be co-coach alongside Arthur Zwane Ngwenya had also been with Baroka FC but could not be signed as he had accepted a place at DUT Ngwenya's versatility will be a vital asset for his new side as he can play as a striker as well as on both wings The KwaZulu-Natal club finalised his signing this week and he is expected to travel with the team to Gauteng for the match against JDR Stars on Sunday which includes an option for an additional two years expressed confidence that Durban City has found a true talent.  and the head coach for making this boy's dream come true," the manager stated I have invested heavily in his aspirations and I can confidently say that no coach or club chairman has been unimpressed with him The only obstacle was his commitment to his studies READ: 'Who does Cardoso think he is?' "Durban City has acquired a gem in Nhlakanipho His bravery can be compared to that of (Relebohile) Mofokeng The entire Mpumalanga province refers to him as 'CR7' for a reason I have a good relationship with the family." Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has announced that discussions are ongoing to ensure the Metro FM Music Awards continue to be held in the province Ndlovu made the remarks while attending the 25th edition of the awards currently underway at the Mbombela Stadium final year that the awards are being hosted in Mpumalanga Ndlovu emphasises that the awards have brought significant economic benefits to the province and believes the relationship should continue “It cannot be the last because this relationship has been there for the past three years and the relationship is mutualistic We are all benefiting from this relationship We will continue to engage with Metro FM to check if we cannot be able to extend this contract and taxi drivers are very happy that they have been working since morning we are benefiting as a province from this relationship,” says Ndlovu [WATCH] Metro FM is set to host the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards tonight in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. The star-studded lineup promises an electrifying night of entertainment. SABC News Reporter Nhlamulo Mabasa has more. pic.twitter.com/zxeRmxRFD1 — SABC News (@SABCNews) May 3, 2025 VIDEO | Excitement builds for Metro FM Music Awards The Premier adds that the 25th edition of the Metro FM Music Awards has significantly contributed to the tourism sector and boosted the local economy Mpumalanga has hosted the event for three consecutive years celebrating and recognising South Africa’s musical talent With this year’s theme being “Crowning Greatness,” the streets of Mbombela are buzzing with activity as the awards grow in popularity Ndlovu expresses his satisfaction with the energy and excitement around the Mbombela Stadium “I’m happy with the hive of activities taking place in Mbombela It’s clear these awards are not just about music; they are a catalyst for economic and social upliftment in our province.”  Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga erupted in a dazzling celebration of South African music at the Metro FM Music Awards (MMAs) 2025 Themed “Crowning Greatness,” the 19th annual ceremony hosted by Metro FM with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and Motsepe Foundation was a vibrant showcase of talent and glamour Broadcast live on SABC1 and streamed on SABC+ the event captivated audiences with stellar performances and heartfelt tributes cementing its status as Mzansi’s premier music event The dynamic duo of Siyabonga “Scoop Makhathini” Ngwekazi and Luthando “LootLove” Shosha lit up the stage their sizzling chemistry and six show-stopping outfits stealing the spotlight delivering iconic moments that had fans buzzing while Dineo Ranaka and L-Tido captured raw winner reactions backstage The evening kicked off with vocal powerhouse Bassie whose high-energy performance and choreography set the tone delivering renditions of South Africa’s most iconic hits sweeping three categories—Best Music Video and Best Collaboration Song—for her hit “Kwelanga 2.0.” Limpopo’s Makhadzi was crowned Artist of the Year Rebecca Malope received Lifetime Achievement Awards honoured for their enduring contributions to Mzansi’s soundscape The 2025 MMAs saw fierce competition with 2,769 entries across 19 categories Standout winners included Xolly Mncwango (Best Female Artist and Best Gospel Album) Naledi Aphiwe and Mawelele’s “Romeo & Juliet” won Best African Pop Song and Nasty C’s “Too Much” took Best Hip Hop Song Public votes via *120*45787# at R1.50 per minute shaped the outcomes with fans celebrating wins like Neo Dube’s Best New Artist on X The Motsepe Foundation elevated the stakes awarding R50,000 per category winner and R150,000 for Song of the Year The event also boosted Mpumalanga’s economy though MEC Leah Mabuza hinted this might be the province’s final year hosting Marking 30 years of South African democracy Metro FM’s Kina Nhlengethwa called the night a “tribute to our musical heritage.” Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms & conditions and privacy policy The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in the Mbombela Local Municipality (Mbombela/Nelspruit White River) is deeply concerned by the utter lack of accountability and action to address the deepening financial crisis in the municipality The municipal management has been unable to come up with a solution to the outstanding debt for more than two years now Despite overwhelming evidence that provincial departments comprise a significant portion of the municipality’s debt no decisive measures have been implemented to resolve the issue If ordinary residents fail to settle their municipal bills they face the suspension of their services; it seems that government buildings and departments follow a different set of rules Such double standards are unfair and unacceptable the Department of Public Works and Transport owes the municipality R110,6 million clinics owe R31 million and schools R10,3 million The outstanding debt owed to the municipality currently stands at more than R200 million – it is a crisis that warrants immediate intervention The Freedom Front Plus suspects that the leniency has to do with the fact that the defaulters are ANC departments Such unequal treatment raises serious concerns about fairness The Freedom Front Plus repeatedly submitted questions to municipal administration over the past few weeks and is now demanding that the Municipal Manager explain what steps will be taken to address this crisis at once The party will also table a motion regarding the matter with the next council meeting The party will keep monitoring the situation closely and keep the public up to date with any progress or solutions Yesterday’s EFF march to Kleinfontein was nothing but political theatrics riddled with racism to divert attention away from the failures of the coalition in the The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) questions the Tshwane Metro’s Department of Human Settlements’ decision to relocate yet another 5 200 people to a piece The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) sent an urgent letter to the Msukaligwa Local Municipality (Ermelo Lothair) after the Minister of Mineral and ❗️Corné Mulder: GNU must unite or fail — as Trump-era US eyes ANC’s foreign blunders @alechogg @MulderCorn VF Plus dien griefskrif in teen Mangaung-watertariefverhoging | Freedom Front Plus Die VF Plus het ʼn griefskrif teen die Mangaung-metro se voorgestelde watertariefverhoging van 11% oorhandig aan die .. The Freedom Front Plus is committed to group rights against affirmative action and towards a better SA for all President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation 257 of 2025 authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of serious maladministration and corruption within the Mbombela Local Municipality in Mpumalanga The proclamation empowers the SIU to examine seven tenders awarded by the municipality between 16 February 2015 and 2 May 2025 with the aim of recovering any financial losses suffered by the State Tender PRE/040/14/MP for investigation and legal services.2 Tender DHS/112/15/MP concerning the installation of internal municipal civil engineering services construction of low-cost Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing units and provision of project management under the integrated residential development programme at Emjindini Extensions 15 to 19.3 Tender NLM-TS-003/2015/16 relating to engineering services.4 Procurement of construction-related goods and services for the R538 Hazyview to Numbi Gate Turnoff Project.5 Bid 26/2015 for the appointment of professional consultants to establish the Strategic Programmes and Projects Support Unit for the municipality.6 Bid 72/2017 for the Turnkey Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management Programme.7 Tender 116/2018 for the implementation of Phase 1 of the Nsikazi North Bulk Water Scheme The SIU will assess whether these procurements were conducted in a manner that was fair as required by applicable legislation and Treasury guidelines The investigation will also determine if there was any unauthorised or wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality or the State or any other persons involved in the tenders.• Refer evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.• Institute civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to recover losses suffered by the State The SIU’s mandate also includes identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future occurrences of maladministration and corruption within the municipality The investigation will cover activities that occurred between 16 February 2015 and 2 May 2025 It will also encompass any relevant events before or after this period that are connected to the matters under investigation or involve the same individuals The SIU encourages members of the public to report any information related to the investigation Whistle-blowers are assured of protection under the law Reports can be made via the SIU Hotline at 0800 037 774 or through their official website This investigation is part of a broader initiative by the government to combat corruption and promote transparency within public institutions The SIU has been actively involved in similar probes across various sectors including recent investigations into the National Skills Fund and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to accountability and the prudent use of public resources 🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 103 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “”Down with the GNU”: Solly Mapaila Slams Ramaphosa and Rejects Government of National Unity at Workers’ Day Rally” https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Central-News-Issue-103.pdf https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za For Business Related:business@centralnews.co.za Newsroom:Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za Office Administrator:admin@centralnews.co.za Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin and website in this browser for the next time I comment President and Commander-in-Chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has declared a renewed and intensified campaign against corruption in Mpumalanga positioning the province as a critical battleground in the lead-up to the 2026 municipal elections Speaking at the EFF’s 2nd Central Command Team (CCT) meeting held at Zebula Golf Estate & Spa in Bela-Bela over the weekend of 4 May 2025 Malema outlined the party’s strategic focus on rooting out corruption and revitalising governance in the province also tackled broader national and global issues and the EFF’s plans to strengthen its presence across South Africa Malema’s address highlighted the EFF’s determination to reclaim Mpumalanga a province he accused of being under severe corruption and mismanagement “We want our votes back where we lost them and fighting corruption and exposing it to the people of Mpumalanga is the first step to achieving that,” he said The EFF leader expressed concern over the province’s leadership noting that the people of Mpumalanga are “living under severe corruption and violence.” He urged party members to intensify their efforts in exposing corrupt practices warning that failure to do so could invite further attacks on the EFF The focus on Mpumalanga comes as the EFF prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections Malema stressed the need to rebuild the party’s structures in the province which he believes have been weakened by a lack of engagement with communities He called for a return to grassroots activism encouraging EFF members to lead the charge in promoting education and safety while tackling systemic issues like poverty and crime particularly the ongoing budget crisis in South Africa He accused the National Treasury of perpetuating economic inequality by prioritising the interests of the wealthy The apartheid regime had a political programme and they pursued it aggressively,” he stated Malema argued that the Treasury has failed to implement policies that benefit the majority working hand-in-hand with white monopoly capital,” to dominate the economy He called for a “People’s Budget” that prioritises the needs of the poor and working class and infrastructure improvements in historically excluded communities Malema also demanded wealth taxation to force the rich to pay their fair share and address the “unproductive luxury landholdings” that benefit only a few He warned that if the budget fails to deliver by 31 July 2025 the EFF would push for the dissolution of the government and demand fresh elections Malema condemned “US imperialism since the dawn of the Presidency of Donald Trump on the 20th of January 2025.” He accused the Trump administration of manipulating global politics to entrench the exploitation of Africa describing Trump as a “dangerous character” marked by “ignorance and a combination of illiteracy and recklessness.” Malema also expressed solidarity with Palestine criticising the Israeli regime’s actions and calling for justice for the Palestinian people Malema’s address also served as a rallying cry for EFF members across South Africa to rebuild and strengthen the party’s structures ahead of the 2026 elections He highlighted the need to improve organisational work in provinces like Gauteng where the EFF has seen significant support “Gauteng is the feeder province of the EFF in terms of votes and we have a lot of ground to make up in Gauteng following the results we achieved in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections,” he noted where the EFF has lost support in recent by-elections urging members to pay closer attention to community needs He also praised the party’s efforts in the Free State which he described as a “shining example” of what it means to take the organisation back to the ground noting a lack of urgency in addressing key issues where the EFF recently handled the funeral of Fighter Mphahlele A significant portion of Malema’s speech focused on the role of the EFF Youth Command which he described as the “foundation and future of the EFF.” He urged young members to organise in communities and on university and TVET college campuses our duty is to organise them under the banner of Economic Freedom in Our Lifetime,” he said Malema also announced plans to launch the EFF Youth Command in all provinces to ensure the youth of South Africa influence the party’s direction Malema called on EFF members in Parliament to approach the budget with “seriousness and political clarity.” He stressed the importance of transparency in the budget process rejecting secret meetings with rating agencies and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) “We will not be blackmailed by the fear of crisis if we don’t pass the budget,” he declared and access to education and healthcare for all South Africans Malema reiterated the EFF’s commitment to its founding principles of economic freedom and land redistribution He called for the party to lead a global Marxist-Leninist movement aligning with countries like China to counter Western imperialism “Our people’s strong relations with China are rooted in this appreciation of where we are globally in politics He also demanded justice for Muammar Gaddafi urging the world to acknowledge Gaddafi’s legacy in the fight against imperialism The EFF leader concluded his address with a call for unity and loyalty within the party “Let us be loyal and loyalty comes with honesty the EFF will die a natural death and the liberation of our people will be delayed for decades to come,” he warned Malema’s vision for the EFF is clear: to fight corruption and lead a revolution that prioritises the poor and working class As the EFF prepares for the 2026 municipal elections Malema’s address has set the tone for a party determined to challenge the status quo With a renewed focus on Mpumalanga and a commitment to addressing national and global issues the EFF aims to position itself as the voice of the marginalised The coming months will be crucial for the party as it seeks to rebuild its structures and deliver on its promise of economic freedom for all South Africans MBOMBELA – Limpopo-born music sensation Makhadzi has done it again — this time bagging the coveted Metro FM Artist of the Year Award during a glittering ceremony held in Mbombela celebrated for her high-energy stage presence and chart-topping hits triumphed in one of the most fiercely contested categories reaffirming her dominance in the South African music industry who have been with her since the beginning of her career Known for hit tracks like Murahu and Ghanama the singer continues to break boundaries and put Limpopo on the global map with her vibrant fusion of traditional and modern sounds Also read: Makhadzi shines bright: Wins Metro FM Best Female Award features a powerhouse lineup of collaborations including: Also read: Limpopo-born singer Makhadzi triumphs at BET Hip-Hop Awards amid financial struggles Although Makhadzi could not attend the ceremony in person her representative accepted the award on her behalf expressing heartfelt thanks to her fans and the Metro FM team for the honor This win adds to Makhadzi’s growing list of accolades and further establishes her as a trailblazer for young and commitment to cultural expression continue to inspire many and elevate the South African music landscape We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again The streets of Mbombela are alive with activity as preparations continue for tonight’s 25th edition of the Metro FM Music Awards, taking place at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga The awards celebrate and recognise the country’s musical talents with this year’s theme being “Crowning Greatness.” This is the third and final year the awards are being held in the province Metro FM Business Manager Kina Nhlengethwa says over 10 000 tickets have already been sold Nhlengethwa says they are ready to host the thousands of guests who will grace the event Nhlengathwa says they are 98 percent done and are expecting people to start arriving at 7:30pm or even earlier to avoid traffic “We have people who will be parking at the government complex that is where the park and ride is happening and we open at two and after that people will start moving into the stadium because we have the black carpet that is starting at 6pm the business and tourism sectors in the province have experienced a substantial economic boost in anticipation of the awards The spokesperson for the Southern African Tourism Services Association says that all accommodation establishments in Mbombela are fully booked “We have seen people visiting our restaurants and they have been here coincided with the long weekend which for us really it is a good thing From the tourism sector with regards to the Metro FM it is a sweet and bitter pill for us because we were told that this is the last installment of them in the province and we hoping that the provincial government will be able to engage and see if whether we can’t extend this contract further because these are the key signature events that Mpumalanga needs,” says Pilane — MpumalangaGov (@MpumalangaGov) May 3, 2025 the Metro FM Music Awards have contributed tremendously in the tourism and economic industry in Mbombela Mpumalanga Metro FM has partnered with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and the Motsepe Foundation for the 2025 awards told Sunday World that what they get in return in terms of the benefits from the economical spinoff such as tourism “That is one of the things that elevate the Metros But also being hosted by a particular province attracts other sponsors But the following year we started seeing more sponsors coming on board how we are growing and the benefits of being a sponsor,” said Nhlengethwa The 2025 MMAs are themed “Crowning Greatness” Nhlengethwa said it took a lot of time for them to think how they will celebrate the industry “We have the awards today because of the artists and we will be celebrating kings and queens of the music industry.” The entries this year saw a significant increase in the entries Nhlengethwa said they were shocked when they looked at the entries She thinks the contributing factor is that it is the third year in Mbombela after a six year break “The excitement of having the Metros back has contributed to the high entries The rise of amapiano is the biggest genres It has contributed a lot to the music industry The awards are hosted in Mbombela for the third consecutive year Nhlengethwa said they plan on going big and are even considering hosting in another country she did not reveal whether this will be the last year the awards are hosted in Mpumalanga Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has recently launched a new call center to provide much-needed assistance to workers facing labour-related challenges This dedicated resource aims to offer support and guidance to both members of COSATU-affiliated unions and unorganized workers ensuring that they have a place to turn for help with workplace issues The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Mpumalanga is hosting the national May Day rally at a time when workers are facing the following socio-economic challenges: low levels of job creation and retrenchments § Austerity budgets and privatisation of state services § The scourge of gender-based violence femicide and child abuse The details of the rally will take place as follows: Venue : Kees Taljaard Stadium (Middelburg) COSATU President Zingiswa Losi will deliver the keynote address with the messages of support from the Alliance partners will face disciplinary action following a forensic investigation which uncovered serious procurement irregularities in a laptop deal the department spent R2 million on 22 office laptops eight officials allegedly misrepresented procurement processes manipulated specifications and approved the delivery of laptops that did not meet the agreed requirements told reporters on Monday that all implicated officials would face charges under the Public Service Act the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and other applicable statutes “Officials of the department misrepresented that the amount paid was correct when in fact the amount paid was for laptops of inferior quality than those ordered,” Ndlovu said “Officials misrepresented that the specification they developed was in accordance with user requirements when they used a specification which was developed two years ago and not reviewed for the current procurement.” Market comparison revealed that the laptops “The supplier misrepresented to the department that it supplied the goods as per the award when it knew that the laptops supplied were not in accordance with the specification,” Ndlovu said He emphasised the government’s commitment to recovering all financial losses incurred as a result of the procurement deal He said the supplier would be blacklisted on the National and Provincial Treasury Registers for Tender Defaulters and the matter will be reported to State Information Technology Agency for further action.  would be conducted on all implicated officials There would also be a broader governance review of the department The matter would also be referred to the SA Police Service for investigation into possible criminal offences including fraud bribery and collusion under the PFMA and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act Ndlovu accused officials of acting in a dishonest manner which had become apparent through the probe “They failed to make a full disclosure of their involvement and provided incorrect information during the departmental investigation,” he alleged “They misled both the premier and the MEC by providing inaccurate information during the departmental investigation.” Ndlovu said a progress report would be made available on the implementation of all the recommendations by the end of June We have detected that you are using extensions to block ads Please support us by disabling these ads blocker A tech company contracted to supply high-end laptops to the Mpumalanga Department of Education has been accused of delivering substandard equipment and grossly inflating prices triggering a recall of the devices and a demand for a refund Sunday World can reveal that BoTau Technologies was paid R2,012,615 by the department for 22 Dell XPS 15 laptops the company delivered Dell XPS 13 models — cheaper and less powerful versions— despite clear specifications in the tender documents The department has since demanded that BoTau collect the laptops and replace them with the correct versions According to documents submitted to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) and seen by Sunday World the department admitted it received incorrect products and is now scrambling to correct the error the department received a letter from the service provider indicating that the laptops delivered were not in line with the specification,” it told Scopa the [HOD] instructed the service provider to retrieve the 22 Dell XPS 13 laptops that were delivered and replace them…with the correctly specified laptops signed off by Head of Department (HOD) Lucy Moyane in September 2024 included 22 Dell XPS 15 laptops and HP OfficeJet 250C Mobile All-In-One Printers It then sourced the laptops from distributors Pinnacle and Tarsus BoTau director Lassy Mahole admitted the laptops were not what was ordered He claimed that the XPS 15 model had been discontinued “I would like to ask the Department of Education to give a go ahead to upgrade the SSD from 1TB to 4TB This is because the price of Dell XPS 13 is less than the ones the company quoted to the department,” he wrote “The money [that] was paid to the company in excess is still available to upgrade the laptops the money that was paid by the department may be repaid to the department in two months’ instalments.” A solid-state drive (SSD) is a faster and more reliable data storage device than a traditional hard drive The 1TB (terabyte) and 4TB refer to storage capacity — the higher the number A March 3 letter from Moyane warned that failure to supply the correct equipment would result in a demand for full repayment An internal audit showed that the laptops delivered were priced at R39,100 each Each cost a total of R44,965 with VAT — far below what the department paid Attempts to obtain comment from Mahole were unfruitful while he is yet to respond to a media enquiry sent by email the Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for immediate consequences “It really looks and sounds suspicious to the DA that the department and its procurement officials agreed to pay BoTau Technologies over R2-million for laptops that the supplier quoted for less,” said Annerie Weber DA MPL and provincial spokesperson on education Weber accused the department of financial mismanagement and called for Moyane’s removal “…The DA also demands that BoTau Technologies be red-listed and deleted from the Provincial Database This penalty is for overcharging the department exorbitant amounts for just 22 laptops,” she said The party has also called on the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to intervene It wants the SIU to determine whether criminal charges are warranted Moyane is currently on a month-long leave of absence The provincial government insists it is ordinary annual leave But her exit — just hours after Premier Mandla Ndlovu announced that an investigation was underway — has raised concerns Ndlovu has confirmed that the probe is led by his office’s Integrity Management Unit It was prompted by questions from President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula He is expected to release the full investigation report on Friday Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content  Six senior officials at the Bushbuckridge municipality in Mpumalanga are facing disciplinary action following damning findings by Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka who exposed a manipulated recruitment process that favoured politically connected candidates over qualified applicants The municipality’s internal systems have been rocked by the appointments of Pawngeorge Zwane and Tshwarelo Kgwedi who were handpicked for administrative clerk roles despite failing to meet the minimum requirements for the posts who was appointed as an occupational health and safety administration clerk had neither experience nor qualifications in the required field appointed as a human resource administration clerk The public protector’s report confirmed long-standing allegations made by the labour union The Democratic Municipal and Allied Workers Unions of South Africa (Demawusa) had warned the former municipal manager Cynthia Nkuna about suspected pre-selection on the very day interviews were held “We were aware of a rumour that appointments had already been decided in advance,” unionist Lufuno Nonyane told the public protector “We hoped that by informing her beforehand she would ensure a fair and transparent process.” This was just as predicted in the sealed note handed to Nkuna Gcaleka found the appointment process deeply flawed “The conduct of the functionaries of the municipality in this instance constitutes improper conduct… and maladministration,” she wrote Zwane told investigators: “I do not have experience in the OHS environment.” This was confirmation that he was not suitable for the job Gcaleka noted that the scoring patterns in the interviews “may point to collusion among panel members” “Mr Zwane conceded that he was in possession of a National Diploma in Public Management He did not have two years’ experience related to OHS/Human Resource Environment at the time of his appointment,” she said “In respect of the appointment of Ms Kgwedi the investigation concluded that although she had relevant work experience and a National Diploma in Human Resources the National N3 Certificate she submitted when she applied for the post is not equivalent to a Matric certificate as required in terms of the advertisement.” Gcaleka concluded that the conduct of the six panellists violated the values of impartiality and professional ethics expected from public servants Former municipal manager Cynthia Nkuna told investigators: “I took the paper The executive mayor Lydia Moroane has been ordered to table the report before council She was also ordered to pursue possible legal steps to reverse the appointments Municipal manager Jasper Ngobeni must discipline the implicated officials He must also ensure that all HR staff receive training on ethical recruitment practices Municipal spokesperson Fhumulani Thovakale confirmed the matter She said the municipality was taking action against the panellists as recommended by Gcaleka she stated that it was up to the board to seek a judicial review of the report “The report has been sent to the municipality’s disciplinary board They will advise the municipal manager and the executive mayor on what steps to take Whether to take the report on judicial review or to implement all the recommendations,” she said Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content The University of Mpumalanga has been dragged to the centre of a legal dispute The legal protagonists are two construction giants And caught up in the R500 million construction project suit are also community leaders and police bosses The Mpumalanga High Court recently overturned a ruling that had halted an urgent interdict bid brought by NPE Construction (Pty) Ltd and Trencon Construction (Pty) Ltd The two companies oversee major development works at the University of Mpumalanga in Mbombela they claimed that a group of individuals stormed the construction site Court papers detail a tense standoff including that an attorney was attacked The construction firms turned to the Mbombela Magistrate’s Court seeking an order to bar the group from returning the magistrate dismissed the application claiming it lacked jurisdiction This is because the project was valued at R500 million acting high court judge Kgama Shai and Mpumalanga Deputy Judge President Takalani Ratshibvumo delivered a stinging rebuke of that decision “The court a quo reasoned that the limit was determined by the value of the business generated on the premises The High Court ruled that jurisdiction in interdicts depends on the cost of stopping the unlawful conduct “It is that conduct or the cost of the abatement of the unlawful activities to which value had to be attached and not the businesses per se,” Shai noted The magistrate had also raised the jurisdiction issue on their own without it being challenged by the respondents there is no procedural handicap that prevents the court from raising jurisdiction mero motu However… the facts did not warrant such step,” Shai criticised the magistrate’s court They called the magistrate’s reasoning flawed The Nelspruit police station commander and the Mpumalanga police commissioner were cited for failing to act during the 2023 standoff The High Court made it clear that the omission of the R500 million figure from the founding affidavit wasn’t enough to derail the case such disclosure was not relevant or material… I am not going to [be]labour this issue any further,” ruled Shai The matter has now been sent back to the same magistrate for a hearing The first to 11th respondents have been ordered to foot the bill for the appeal has taken a month-long leave of absence as pressure mounts over the R2-million laptop procurement saga that has rocked the province Her departure came hours after premier Mandla Ndlovu vowed during a media briefing at the G20 Education Indaba on Thursday that the findings of the investigation into the laptop deal would be made public “Our investigation of these 22 laptops is at an advanced stage The investigation is led by the integrity management unit in the premier’s office and has left South Africans asking what consequences — if any — will follow took pressure from the highest offices for Ndlovu to move with “thunderous’ speed Ndlovu admitted that he was under pressure from the top leadership of the ANC “You must know that the leadership of the ANC also has an interest in this matter The president wants to know what happened,” Ndlovu said “The SG [secretary-general] of the ANC wants us to provide answers because when they do their work in other areas they are asked about this thunder of the laptops in Mpumalanga While the full details of Moyane’s leave remain confidential Sunday World has seen the official letter appointing provincial examinations director Chukudu Manyabeane as acting head of department during her absence When pressed to confirm whether Moyane’s time off was a cautionary suspension provincial government spokesperson George Mthethwa insisted that it was just annual leave “This is a normal annual leave that she applied for some time ago and waited for approval it was delayed due to the G20 Provincial Education Indaba she could have taken it some time ago,” said Mthethwa the timing of her leave raises serious questions The laptop saga was first exposed during a fiery question-and-answer session in the provincial legislature when EFF member of the legislature Ntsako Mkhabela demanded answers from education MEC Cathy Dlamini about why each device cost R91 482.50 Dlamini confirmed the total cost of R2 020 883.45 and said the laptops were procured through a Sita (State Information Technology Agency) panel of approved suppliers She claimed her public image was under attack because she “refuses to be captured by the opposition” adding that the ANC in Mpumalanga would not bow to manipulation “It will not be proper for me to respond on behalf of the MEC but what I know is that we have our own lessons where this country was once captured by the Guptas “We have taken a decision as an organisation that we are no longer going to allow an individual or any structure to capture our government,” Ndlovu said Moyane’s leave also brings back unresolved issues from 2024 the provincial standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) recommended action against her over the R2-million refurbishment of a guardhouse in KaNyamazane outside Mbombela with an additional R1-million spent on fencing Scopa accused Moyane’s team of misleading the committee by cutting and pasting responses from a school project during their presentation Despite Scopa’s strong recommendation for disciplinary action Moyane remained in her role until she took leave on Friday as the department reels from another multimillion-rand scandal Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content A 29-year-old man is expected to appear in the Masoyi Magistrate’s Court outside Hazyview in Mpumalanga today for allegedly violating graves The suspect was arrested at his home in Swalala after being found in possession of human bones The man is accused of digging the graves of his father and grandfather at a local cemetery Provincial police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli says the man was found lying on his bed with bones next to him “There was a person who came to the police in Masoyi and reported this incident and police went and they indeed confirmed that the two graves were dug in Swalala They then proceeded to the house of the suspect and found him lying in bed with the bones next to him The bones were confiscated and will form part of the investigation.” Media Site Visit for the 2025 National Freedom Day Celebartion in Emerlo The government will host the 2025 National Freedom Day celebration on Sunday 27 April 2025 at the AJ Swanepoel Stadium in Ermelo Msukwaligwa Local Municipality within the Gert Sibande District Municipality in the Mpumalanga Province Members of the media are therefore invited to attend a media site visit to identify OB parking space and to discuss other media logistics in preparation for this commemorative event Members of the security cluster / safety officer will present the floorplan during the session Members of the media are requested to send their representatives for this session Mr Madimetja Moleba: 066 301 4675 / Madimetja@dsac.gov.za Issued by the National Department of Sport Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has instituted an investigation into the provincial Education Department’s procurement of 22 laptops valued at over R2 million Ndlovu says he has noted public interest in the matter and transparency will be applied in dealing with the investigation and its outcome The probe is set to be finalised next week the African National Congress (ANC) in Mpumalanga has welcomed the investigation says they are confident that the investigation will be concluded soon and the outcome made public Chirwa says the ANC demands that all deployees and public servants respect the public purse undertake a visit to Mpumalanga where he will meet with the Provincial Executive Committee and undertake the second phase of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Handover President Ramaphosa will commence his Mpumalanga visit on Tuesday 10 December 2024 with a meeting with the Mpumalanga Provincial Executive President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers and will deliver an opening address at the meeting The meeting with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government’s Executive part of a series of engagements between the President and provinces aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination and improve service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration The Provincial Executive will present to the President its 5-year program aligned to the priorities of the 7th Administration The meeting will also discuss various approaches to service delivery issues including interventions to improve service delivery at local government level Following his engagement with the Provincial Executive President Ramaphosa will undertake the second phase of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Handover in Mpumalanga Province The handover ceremony will afford the President an opportunity to directly witness the work that has been done since the pronouncements made in the 2023 State of the Nation address President Ramaphosa indicated at the time that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure working together with the South African Defence Force would build 96 bridges in the financial year 2023/2024 Derived from the Nguni word meaning "to assist the nation in crossing over," Welisizwe was a strategic Integrated Project (SIP) prioritised by the Sixth Administration Collaborative efforts between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Defence have already commenced implementation in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal The Welisizwe bridges are a key investment in community Infrastructure and are giving people dignity access to opportunities for education and work In areas where Welisizwe bridges are constructed the socio-economic conditions in our communities are improving and barriers for communities to get where they need to get safely are eliminated These bridges are essential in addressing the challenges faced by citizens and children who previously navigated perilous rivers to access schools and essential social services Details of the President’s engagements are as follows: Spokesperson to the President- media@presidency.gov.za Home | Business The Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism has called on employees of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency who are on strike not to disrupt operations at tourist sites The workers have embarked on an unprotected strike demanding permanent appointments for all the temporary workers The contracts of the temporary workers end this month The workers disrupted operations in all the tourist attraction sites under the agency Police were called but failed to stop the action MEC Makhosazane Masilela says they will meet with NEHAWU because they mobilise the community so that the members of the community can be on their side and we will be meeting with Nehawu to resolve the challenges but the dispute between the entity and Nehawu is that the entity employed temporary workers and their term comes to an end on the 31st of March the entity is not in a good financial position so that the temporary workers can continue.” MPUMALANGA TOURISM AND PARKS AGENCY (MTPA) CONDEMS ILLIGAL STRIKE IN NATURE RESERVES UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PUBLIC ENTITY. pic.twitter.com/pRJQ88JuJz — Mpumalanga Tourism (@Mtpatourism) March 20, 2025 AVBOB celebrates a milestone by rewarding its members on a large scale * Editor's note: This article is updated each time new information becomes available JOHANNESBURG - The death toll in a head-on collision on the N4 in Mpumalanga has risen to six The crash between a sport utility vehicle and a bakkie occurred on the stretch between Machadodorp and Belfast One of the injured victims succumbed to serious injuries while being treated at a hospital in Belfast Transport authorities are investigating the cause of the incident Community Safety MEC Jackie Macie has reiterated the call to motorists to adhere to rules and stick to the speed limit A 28-year-old Mpumalanga man will spend the weekend in police custody after being arrested for allegedly digging up the graves of his father and grandfather in broad daylight In a case that has left police officers stunned in disbelief became the subject of a swift investigation following a tip-off from community members The investigation began when a woman walked into the Masoyi Police Station to report that a man had desecrated two adjacent graves at the Swalala cemetery at around 1pm racing to the scene to confirm the horrific act “Police were shocked at what they found,” said provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli Mdhluli said the Visible Policing Unit tracked Mokoena down arresting him and confiscating the bones at his home would not be drawn into whether the motive could have been ritualistic in nature “This is an ongoing investigation and we cannot speculate on the motive The suspect has not been mentally evaluated which is not a matter of police but the courts,” he said Mdhluli said their job was to ensure that lawbreakers are arrested “He clearly broke the law when he allegedly dug up the graves And that’s all we are prepared to say at the moment “That is why the suspect was arrested and charged with two counts of violating a grave Police will investigate the case further while leaving the rest to the courts,” said Mdhluli appeared in the Masoyi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday The court postponed the matter to May 5 for legal representation photos of the skeletal remains were shared online Police later requested the media to refrain from using the images as they violated the dignity of the deceased’s living relatives Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu will on Monday release the findings of a long-awaited investigation into the Department of Education’s controversial procurement of laptops which sparked national outrage over a reported R2-million spend on just 22 devices spearheaded by the Integrity Management Unit within the Office of the Premier and affirm the provincial government’s commitment to transparency and ethical governance The press briefing will take place at 14h00 at the EXCO Board Room It comes at a time when public trust in procurement processes Premier Ndlovu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to truth and restoring confidence in public systems “We are committed to provide accurate information based on the investigation that we have concluded Our priority is to provide the public with the truth thereby ensuring accountability and protecting the integrity of this government,” Ndlovu said At the heart of the controversy is the procurement of 22 laptops at a shocking unit cost of R91,482.50—far exceeding standard market prices raised immediate red flags among opposition leaders and even members of the ANC’s national leadership The procurement came under scrutiny during a heated sitting of the provincial legislature when EFF MPL Ntsako Mkhabela questioned Education MEC Cathy Dlamini on the matter asserting that the laptops were sourced through a State Information Technology Agency (SITA)-approved supplier panel She strongly denied any personal benefit and claimed opposition parties were unfairly tarnishing her reputation The scale of the expenditure—amid a broader context of deteriorating school infrastructure and resource shortages in Mpumalanga—intensified calls for a full-scale investigation he directed the Integrity Management Unit to initiate a thorough investigation and assess whether any irregularities or violations of procurement laws had occurred During his appearance at the G20 Education Indaba on 24 April 2025 he promised that the findings would be released “soonest.” We’ll be ready soonest—and my soonest is soonest,” he said then in remarks that drew both curiosity and anticipation from the media and public the Premier maintained regular communication with the public reassuring citizens that the administration under his leadership would act decisively if wrongdoing was found His approach was notably bolstered by support from national figures including President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula who both expressed concern over the reputational damage the saga could inflict on the ruling party “You must know that the leadership of the ANC also has an interest in this matter The President wants to know what happened,” Ndlovu said during a briefing highlighting the high-level attention the issue has garnered now dubbed the “thunder of the laptops” by Premier Ndlovu himself has evolved into a significant political flashpoint which has repeatedly faced allegations of procurement irregularities in various provinces swift and transparent handling of the matter is vital—particularly in the run-up to the national and provincial elections With calls for criminal accountability growing louder Monday’s briefing is expected to be a litmus test for Ndlovu’s 7th administration which has positioned itself as committed to “building a capable Insiders suggest that the report may contain firm recommendations for disciplinary action depending on the extent of financial misconduct uncovered the full details remain under wraps until the official release The pressure of the laptop probe has already led to leadership shifts within the provincial administration the Head of Department (HOD) for Education took what has been described as a “month-long leave of absence” starting Friday The timing—just a day after Premier Ndlovu’s commitment to releasing the findings—has not gone unnoticed Although government spokesperson George Mthethwa insists the leave was routine and previously approved speculation is rife that it is linked to the investigation’s pending conclusions “This is a normal annual leave that she applied for some time ago… it was delayed due to the G20 Provincial Education Indaba,” Mthethwa told reporters Moyane’s track record has already been under the spotlight the provincial standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) recommended disciplinary action against her department for a separate incident involving the R2-million refurbishment of a guardhouse—essentially a basic shed—in KaNyamazane Despite findings of misleading conduct and financial mismanagement fuelling criticism of a lack of consequence management in provincial governance While the provincial government prepares to release its findings pressure from civil society organisations and opposition parties continues to build Activists have called for a forensic audit of all recent procurement deals in the education department warning that the laptop saga could be indicative of deeper systemic failures Opposition parties are also sharpening their rhetoric The EFF has vowed to push for full criminal prosecution should any official be found guilty of abuse of office or flouting procurement protocols has called for Premier Ndlovu to publish the investigation report in full and table it before the provincial legislature for scrutiny ANC insiders have admitted that the scandal has placed the party on the defensive particularly as it battles to regain public trust after several high-profile corruption scandals in recent years President Ramaphosa’s intervention in the matter signals the seriousness with which the national executive views the issue The upcoming press briefing on Monday is expected to be a watershed moment in the handling of the scandal and opposition lawmakers expected to attend Premier Ndlovu will be under the microscope as he delivers the findings of an investigation many hope will set a precedent for accountability • Confirmation of whether procurement laws were violated;• Identification of responsible individuals or departments;• Disciplinary or legal actions recommended;• Proposed reforms to prevent future misuse of public funds;• Assurance on how the provincial government plans to recover any lost money The Premier’s Office has already committed to ensuring media access and providing detailed documentation during the briefing 🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 102 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Hope for Matjhabeng as Executive Mayor Khalipha Rolls Out Plan for Renewal After ANC Reinstatement” Direct PDF Link:https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Central-News-Issue-102.pdf The ANC in Mpumalanga has joined growing public criticism of a controversial R2-million laptop deal under investigation by premier Mandla Ndlovu’s office This follows revelations that the provincial education department paid R91 482.50 for each of the 22 laptops meant for office-based staff — sparking outrage in the legislature and among taxpayers ANC provincial secretary Muzi Chirwa said the ruling party welcomed and supported the premier’s decision to investigate the transaction whose details were exposed in an answer to a question in the provincial legislature and the people of the country reasonably suspect that the principles of public procurement articulated in Section 217 of the constitution could have been violated or not been upheld,” Chirwa said He said the ANC believed the probe would be concluded soon and the public would be “brought into confidence” regarding the outcomes “The ANC demands that all deployees and public servants respect the public purse and utilise it prudently and in the best interest of our citizens moreover now when the country’s public resource base has shrunk,” Chirwa said He added that the ANC in Mpumalanga was “opposed to all forms of corruption and malfeasance” Ndlovu has confirmed that the probe is being handled by the integrity management unit in his office and is nearing completion Ndlovu said the investigation was already at an advanced stage and aimed to establish the facts once the investigation is finalised next week “In the interest of fair administrative justice I urge you all to allow the investigation to be finalised without undue pressure.” He said the probe reflected his administration’s commitment to good governance as outlined in the medium-term development plan “The 7th administration is guided by the principles of good governance to ensure that the acquisition of services by the state is based on sound financial grounds,” said Ndlovu Education MEC Cathy Dlamini has distanced herself from the procurement saying she was not a beneficiary and still uses a second-hand laptop Dlamini added that the items were purchased through a State Information Technology Agency panel of service providers Provincial education spokesperson Jasper Zwane said: “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 “To implicate her or her office in this matter is both misleading and unjust.” The investigation was triggered by a question from EFF member of the provincial legislature Ntsako Mkhabela who demanded to know how the department justified spending over R90 000 on a single device The outcome of the investigation is expected to be made public next week Heads must just roll for that sickening lap tops corruption in Mpumalanga a R90k plus for one lap top for just government employees The Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga has postponed the murder case against 40-year-old Portia Moeng accused of being involved in the murder of her 83-year-old mother Moeng allegedly conspired with her 26-year-old niece Thapelo Khoza to kill Maonye for life insurance proceeds Maonye’s lifeless body was found in her burnt house in March Police discovered that she struggled before the house was set alight The trio will appear together in the same court on Tuesday for a formal bail application one of the suspects was arrested for another case of house robbery or house breaking that’s when it was picked up that that woman was