The Mpumalanga Department of Education has dismissed its chief financial officer, Thokozile Ntuli, following a disciplinary process linked to the controversial procurement of 22 laptops that cost taxpayers more than R2 million.
The laptops, purchased in December 2024, cost about R91 482.50 each, with the total bill coming to R2 020 883.45. The procurement drew public and political scrutiny after questions were raised over why such expensive devices had been purchased for officials in a provincial education department.
The department has said the laptops were intended mainly for officials working in Education Management Information Systems (EMIS), information and communication technology (ICT), and other positions requiring high-performance computing equipment. The procurement also included accessories such as laptop bags and wireless mice, as well as an HP printer.
The controversy emerged publicly in 2025 after questions were raised in the Mpumalanga legislature about the purchase. At the time, the department said an internal investigation had found that the service provider had not delivered according to the original specifications. The matter was subsequently investigated through the integrity management structures in the Office of the Premier.
The fallout has since extended beyond the procurement itself. Ntuli’s disciplinary process has now concluded with her dismissal, although she retains the right to pursue any available appeal or review processes. The department has declined to discuss the merits of the disciplinary case while those avenues remain open.
The department’s head of department, Lucy Moyane, was also placed on precautionary suspension during the investigation. Her disciplinary process has since been concluded and she returned to work after receiving a written warning. She faced five charges but was reportedly found guilty of negligence relating to her approval of the Bid Adjudication Committee’s recommendation.
The provincial government has also been pursuing the recovery of money linked to the procurement. In January 2026, it was reported that R685 712.70 of the R855 712.70 being sought from a service provider had been recovered, leaving an outstanding amount of about R170 000 at the time. Premier Mandla Ndlovu welcomed the recovery but called for the full amount to be recouped.
The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time for education in Mpumalanga, where the provincial government has been presenting education infrastructure and digital access as key priorities. Earlier this year, the province highlighted plans to expand digital learning, provide tablets and improve school infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen teaching and learner outcomes.
The contrast has sharpened questions about how public money is being prioritised. While the province promotes the use of technology to support learners and schools, the laptop controversy has focused attention on the cost and procurement of technology for government officials.
In its latest response, the education department said it remained committed to good governance, transparency and responsible management of public resources. It has also developed an audit action plan aimed at strengthening internal controls and addressing shortcomings identified through the audit process.
Acting CFO Ndumiso Mokako has been appointed by the Office of the Premier to oversee the department’s financial management following Ntuli’s departure. MEC for Education Lilian Masina said the department would strengthen oversight and ensure public funds were used efficiently and for their intended purpose.
The case is now another test of consequence management in Mpumalanga, particularly as the province attempts to expand access to digital education while facing continued pressure to ensure that money meant for public services is spent transparently and delivers value to communities.
