By Doreen Mokgolo
- SITA says it was not involved in the purchase of 22 overpriced laptops in Mpumalanga.
- The laptops cost over R91,000 each and didn’t meet tender rules, says the agency.
The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has denied playing any role in the dodgy purchase of 22 laptops worth R2-million by the Mpumalanga Department of Basic Education.
The agency says it has no record of the laptops on its system and no part in the deal.
This comes after Education MEC Landulile Dlamini told the provincial legislature the laptops were bought through SITA.
Each laptop costs R91,482 — well over the price limit allowed under the national government’s approved supply panel.
The laptops were bought in December, even though they didn’t meet proper procurement rules.
Tlali Tlali, head of corporate affairs at SITA, said the agency only sets up the list of approved suppliers – it doesn’t sell or profit from the deals.
“The panel helps government departments find suppliers. These are pre-approved suppliers who passed our checks and can deliver what departments ask for,” he said.
Tlali added: “It’s worrying that the department paid such an outrageous amount when they could’ve used the existing panel. This must be investigated.”
He said the high price raises serious questions and an investigation should look into other parts of the deal too.
The Integrity Management Unit in the premier’s office is now investigating.
Pictured above: Landulile Dlamini.
Image source: Department of Education in Mpumalanga
