Key Takeaways
- The head of department (HOD) of the Mpumalanga department of education, Lucy Moyane, has been given a written warning and will return to work after being found guilty of one charge of negligence related to the procurement of 22 laptops.
- The laptops were purchased at R91,000 each, and 80% of the money paid to the contractor has been recovered as remedial actions after a forensic investigation.
- A total of six employees have undergone disciplinary proceedings related to the matter, with one employee resigning and three currently undergoing disciplinary hearings.
- The premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, welcomes the recovery of the funds and the conclusion of the disciplinary process involving the HOD.
Introduction to the Disciplinary Process
The Mpumalanga department of education has concluded its disciplinary process involving the head of department (HOD), Lucy Moyane, who was suspended in connection with the procurement of 22 laptops at R91,000 each. According to a statement released by Premier Mandla Ndlovu’s office, Moyane was found guilty of one charge of negligence related to bid Adjudication Committee recommendations. The disciplinary process was initiated after a forensic investigation into the procurement of the laptops raised concerns, leading to Moyane’s suspension and the laying of five charges against her.
The Disciplinary Hearing
The disciplinary hearing found Moyane guilty on only one charge of negligence related to the approval of the BAC recommendation. As a result, the chairperson of the hearing decided that a written warning would be issued as a sanction. Moyane is expected to resume her duties on January 19, 2026, now that the matter has been fully concluded. The statement from Ndlovu’s office also noted that 80% of the money paid to the contractor has been recovered as remedial actions after the forensic investigation. The total amount claimed from the service provider in connection with the procurement of the laptops is R855,712.70, with R685,712.70 already recovered and the remaining balance of R170,000 expected to be settled by the end of January.
Recovery of Funds
Premier Mandla Ndlovu welcomed the recovery of the funds, stating that it is a positive step towards ensuring that the full amount is recovered. He expressed his pleasure that the service provider has assured the department that the remaining balance will be settled by the end of the month. Ndlovu also expressed his satisfaction that the disciplinary hearing concerning the HOD has been concluded, bringing the matter to a close. The recovery of the funds is a significant outcome, as it demonstrates the department’s commitment to accountability and transparency in its procurement processes.
Disciplinary Proceedings Against Other Employees
In addition to the disciplinary process involving the HOD, six employees have undergone disciplinary proceedings related to the matter. One employee had charges withdrawn against them due to a lack of evidence, while another employee, the deputy director of ICT, resigned effective immediately after being served with charges. Three employees are currently undergoing disciplinary hearings, and one employee’s disciplinary hearing has been suspended due to litigation brought by the official against the department. The department also conducted lifestyle reviews of all implicated officials through an external service provider, but the report submitted did not identify any material findings.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The conclusion of the disciplinary process involving the HOD and the recovery of the funds mark a significant milestone in the department’s efforts to address the issues related to the procurement of the laptops. The premier’s office has stated that the matter has been fully concluded, and Moyane is expected to resume her duties on January 19, 2026. The department will likely continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the remaining balance is settled by the end of January. The outcome of the disciplinary proceedings and the recovery of the funds demonstrate the department’s commitment to accountability and transparency, and it is expected that the department will take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.