Suspended education HOD's pension a headache

Parties all agree to swift release of disciplinary report

- By Tshwarelo eseng Mogakane

Mpumalanga lawmakers were plunged into a tense debate this week when the DA tabled a motion calling for suspended education head of department (HOD) Lucy Moyane's pension to be frozen pending the finalisation of a disciplinary process linked to the controversial purchase of 22 laptops worth more than R2-million.

In a surprise move, all parties agreed on the need for the swift release of the disciplinary outcome against Moyane, but disagreed with the DA's demand that her pension be blocked.

Moyane is currently receiving full pay while on precautionary suspension after a preliminary forensic investigation found that under her leadership as accounting officer, BoTau Technologies was paid R2012615 for 22 laptops that were substandard. The devices cost the taxpayer R91000 a piece.