The DA in Mpumalanga has called for full transparency following the return to work of the province’s suspended Head of Department (HOD) for Education, Lucy Moyane, who received only a written warning after being implicated in controversial procurement irregularities involving millions of rand.

Moyane was expected to resume her duties on January 19, according to a statement released this week by Premier Mandla Ndlovu’s office. The Premier confirmed that the disciplinary process against the HOD was finalised and resulted in a written warning after she was found guilty of negligence.

However, the DA has raised concerns about the outcome, arguing that the sanction does not match the seriousness of the alleged misconduct. The party announced that it will write to the Premier’s office requesting access to the full Forensic Investigation Report, as well as the minutes and findings of the disciplinary hearing that led to the decision.

Moyane was suspended in May last year alongside other senior officials in the Mpumalanga Department of Education following a forensic investigation into procurement irregularities. The probe focused on the purchase of 22 laptops exceeding R2m, with each laptop reportedly costing R92 000.

She was also implicated in a separate matter involving the alleged approval of more than R2.1m for the refurbishment of a guardhouse measuring less than 3m at the department’s Ehlanzeni District offices in KaNyamazane, outside Mbombela.

According to the Premier, the disciplinary hearing found that Moyane ignored recommendations made by the Bid Adjudication Committee, which resulted in the awarding of the laptop contract to BoTau Technologies. The chairperson of the hearing subsequently recommended a written warning as an appropriate sanction.

Ndlovu further stated that the provincial government has recovered 80% – amounting to R685 712 – of the R855 712 that was claimed back from BoTau Technologies in relation to the irregular laptop payments. The remaining R170 000 is expected to be repaid by the end of January.

The DA has also called on the Premier to provide an update on the status of the investigation into the alleged R2.1m guardhouse refurbishment expenditure, which it said remains unresolved.

In addition, the party said it will monitor whether the outstanding funds are repaid as promised and will continue its oversight role to ensure accountability within provincial departments.

The DA has also demanded action against other officials implicated in the matter, including those who resigned before disciplinary proceedings could be completed, arguing that resignation should not be used to avoid accountability.