The Hawks are investigating a controversial tablet procurement deal involving 55,000 Samsung Galaxy tablets for schools in the Eastern Cape. The inquiry centres on senior education official Dr Naledi Mbude-Mehana and her husband, Vukile Mehana, chairman of Sizwe Africa, an IT firm. Allegations of illegal payments and the disappearance of 47,000 tablets have triggered national outrage.
The Bloated Contract: From R160 Million to R537.4 Million
The contract, signed in October 2019 with a firm owned by businessman Iqbal Survé, was initially valued at R160 million. However, by July 2020, the cost had surged to R404.8 million. A breakdown of expenses revealed exorbitant charges:
- Tablets: R192.4 million for 55,000 Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablets
- SIM Cards and Data: R95.9 million
- Maintenance: R31.6 million (three years)
- Accessories: R18 million for cases, R60,390 for screen protectors
- Software and Setup: R5.9 million for security, R4 million for apps, R2.4 million for setup
- VAT and Other Costs: R659,450 for engraving, plus 15% VAT
Despite being a lease agreement, critics pointed out the cost was significantly higher than purchasing the tablets outright.
High Court Interdict Ignored
The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) declared the contract unlawful and secured a High Court interdict in October 2020, halting further payments. Yet, by April and May 2022, R330 million had been paid to Sizwe Africa. The payments are now under Hawks’ scrutiny, with questions surrounding Mbude-Mehana’s involvement.
Role of Mbude-Mehana and Her Husband
Mbude-Mehana, who led the Eastern Cape Department of Education from 2021 to 2024, allegedly played a role in facilitating payments despite the interdict. After her resignation, she secured a position as deputy director for special projects at the National Department of Basic Education in 2023. Her husband, Sizwe Africa’s chair, allegedly demanded R594 million as a settlement.
Both Mbude-Mehana and her husband deny wrongdoing. Mbude-Mehana claims the allegations are part of a smear campaign, asserting that “not a cent was paid” to the interdicted contract.
Missing Tablets Add to the Scandal
Adding to the scandal, only 8,000 of the 55,000 tablets were accounted for by April 2021. The contract intended for the devices to be reused by successive matric classes, but over 47,000 tablets remain missing.
Government and Treasury Investigations
The Eastern Cape Treasury has launched a forensic investigation into the procurement, but the education department itself has not initiated its own probe. The Hawks are examining the payments and seeking documentation from Mbude-Mehana, including her declarations of interest from 2021 to 2023.
Conclusion
This case highlights significant governance failures in public procurement, with questions about corruption, accountability, and mismanagement. The Hawks’ investigation may bring to light further details on one of the most shocking education procurement scandals in South Africa’s recent history.
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