The Mpumalanga Department of Education is facing fierce backlash after it was revealed that it spent R2 million on just 22 laptops—amounting to over R91,000 per device. The disclosure, made by the provincial Education MEC in a recent parliamentary response, has sparked outrage and demands for an immediate probe.
According to the department, each laptop cost R91,482.50, totaling R2,012,615. While officials have not disclosed the brand or technical specifications of the devices, the exorbitant price has raised red flags about potential price inflation or procurement irregularities.
Education advocates and opposition leaders have slammed the expenditure as reckless, particularly in a province where schools struggle with overcrowding, textbook shortages, and crumbling infrastructure. “This is an outrageous misuse of funds that could have provided dozens of laptops for learners or addressed critical shortages in classrooms,” said a representative from a local education NGO.
The department has defended the purchase, stating that the laptops were part of a “digital transformation” initiative to improve administrative efficiency. A spokesperson claimed the cost included software licenses, extended warranties, and accessories—but failed to provide a detailed cost breakdown to justify the inflated price.
The controversy has prompted calls for the Public Protector and Auditor-General to investigate whether proper procurement processes were followed and whether the state received fair value for the expenditure. Civil society groups are also demanding the suspension of officials involved pending a full inquiry.
This incident adds to a growing list of questionable government tech purchases in South Africa, further eroding public trust in state spending—particularly in education, where systemic underfunding continues to disadvantage learners.
