The Madlanga Commission has uncovered troubling details surrounding how the wife of alleged crime boss Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala allegedly secured and benefited from a municipal tender worth more than R3.7 million.
Evidence presented before the Commission points to serious procurement irregularities and multiple warning signs that were seemingly overlooked during a 2023 skills development tender process at the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
Tender Award Raises Red Flags
In July 2023, the municipality invited bids from accredited skills development providers to roll out a professional qualification and training programme. However, the contract was ultimately awarded to Buena Vista Learning Academy.
According to evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson, the company did not meet the fundamental requirements expected of a registered skills development provider.
Commission records show that just days before submitting its bid, the entity had been registered under the name Mokoko Grill, a local shisanyama business. Its sole director was Tsakane Baloyi, now Matlala, who is married to Vusimuzi Matlala.
Discrepancy Between Tender Value And Final Payment
One of the most alarming revelations before the Commission relates to the vast difference between the original tender value and the final amount paid out.
While the contract was initially valued at R66,000, municipal records indicate that the company ultimately received payments totalling R3.7 million. The scale of the increase has raised serious concerns about internal controls and financial oversight within the municipality.
Suspended HR Head Distances Herself
The municipality’s suspended Head of Human Resources, Linda Gxasheka, testified that she was not involved in awarding the tender. Although she distanced herself from the financial approvals, she acknowledged that the transaction appeared highly irregular from an external perspective.
Investigation Ongoing
The Commission is continuing its inquiry into how a business that had operated as a catering establishment was able to secure a specialised professional training contract, and how the final payout escalated to nearly 60 times the original tender value.
The unfolding testimony has placed renewed scrutiny on procurement safeguards and accountability mechanisms within municipal structures.
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