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Public Protector to investigate claims GDE stole online admissions idea

The Public Protector is investigating claims that the Gauteng Department of Basic Education ripped off the idea for its online admissions process.

Back in July this year we wrote about IT entrepreneur Melissa Laing‘s claim that the GDE stole the admissions process from her. She claimed to have presented the idea of an online admissions website to the GDE more than a year ago.

Laing served a summons on the department last month, and it has now been revealed that the Public Protector’s office will be investigating the case.

According to Eyewitness News, Laing previously decided to approach the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on the matter, but was apparently told that it would be better suited to be heard in the High Court.

“It’s been confirmed in writing that the office is expecting a comprehensive response from the education department this week,” EWN wrote.

Laing explained that she was searching for a school online in 2012, and presented her plan to the Department in October of that year.

“The IT director said it was a stupid idea and that they would never use in it the department. Everything is the same. So we found some other indicators that this is in fact our idea,” she said.

The GDE has in turn responded to the claims, stating in July that it is considering the allegations.

“The department can confirm receipt of notice of motion from the magistrate court last week on the matter between the Gauteng Department of Education and Huntlia Technology, [sic]” Oageng Pitoro, from the department’s media relations said in a statement.

“We have noted with concern the accusation levelled against the department by Huntlia Technology claiming the department is using their Online system concept without crediting them,” Pitoro added.

[Image – file]

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