James Masango

The Mpumalanga Department of Education (MDOE) cuts the number of computers for Dinaledi schools. MDOE says this is because of the rand-dollar exchange rate increasing prices, but the Democratic Alliance (DA) alleges it’s because EduSolutions overcharged the department.

“Invoices in the DA’s possession show how EduSolutions pocketed R402 896 in ‘handling and management fees’ for computers purchased for Dinaledi schools in Mpumalanga,” claims DA Mpumalanga education spokesperson James Masango.

The primary objective of the Dinaledi project is to ensure these schools are supported to significantly increase the participation and performance of learners in mathematics and physical science, with the aim of ultimately increasing the number of students entering the engineering and ICT fields. MDOE spokesman Jasper Zwane says the number of computers was reduced, but not due to overcharging.

He adds that EduSolutions only helped the department with the warehousing and distribution of these computers to schools and had nothing to do with the cost increase. Mateli Mpuntsha, executive director of EduSolutions, says it is imprudent for EduSolutions to become involved in political mud slinging in Mpumalanga.

“While we cannot comment on the specifi cs of the DA’s allegations around the procurement of computer equipment, we are confi dent that our processes are above board and will withstand any scrutiny,” he notes.