The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

AfriForum welcomes the news that the Chief Financial Officer of the Mpumalanga Department of Education, Thokozile Ntuli, has been dismissed following a disciplinary process. Her dismissal is related to the controversial acquisition of laptops by the Department in December 2024.

In February 2025, AfriForum became aware of the Department’s purchase of 22 laptops at approximately R91 482,50 each through an anonymous whistleblower and submitted a PAIA application to the Mpumalanga Department of Education in this regard. In May 2025, the Premier of the province issued a report on this misappropriation of funds and undertook that disciplinary action would follow against those responsible.

According to Alana Bailey, AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs, the misappropriation of funds by education authorities cannot be tolerated. “This is happening at the expense of the future of our youth and is detrimental the country’s education system, which is already performing at alarmingly low levels.” AfriForum hopes that the dismissal of Ntuli will send a warning to other officials about ethical spending and accountability.

It is also gratifying that the Department, in addition to the disciplinary processes against those involved, has already succeeded in recovering approximately 80% of the amount paid to the supplier of the computers. Furthermore, the Department now apparently has developed and implemented an audit action plan that includes clear and measurable intervention steps to strengthen internal control measures. AfriForum recommends that other recent tender processes in the Department should be scrutinised to ensure that if other purchases had been made at similarly inflated prices, efforts can be made to recover the funds and the service providers can be blacklisted.

Issued by AfriForum