The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is still considering allegations that its concept for online learner admissions was stolen.
Johannesburg-based IT entrepreneur Melissa Laing claims the GDE stole her concept for an online school registration Web site. Last week, Laing served a summons on Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi.
Laing claims she came up with the idea of online registrations while trying to find a school for her son in 2012. When she presented the idea to the GDE in October that year, she was rejected.
Earlier this year, the Gauteng education department launched its site that required parents of leaners entering grade one and eight in 2017 to use the online portal for school placement.
In a statement, the GDE says it is considering the allegations levelled against it and will respond accordingly in due course. "We have noted with concern the accusation levelled against the department... The department is not at liberty to divulge any further information regarding the summons at this point as the matter is sub-judice."
The department will wait for a court ruling on the matter before taking further action, the GDE statement notes.
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