ACSA has no record of ‘Cat’ Matlala’s R70 million OR Tambo private terminal proposal

Mystery surrounds Matlala’s OR Tambo terminal plan

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) says it is as baffled as the public over claims that controversial businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala once pitched a R70 million private terminal at OR Tambo International Airport.

According to media reports, Matlala whose name has appeared in multiple corruption investigations allegedly presented a concept for a luxury terminal that would allow VIP and VVIP passengers to bypass standard airport processes via a fast-tracked system managed by his security firm. He was reportedly accompanied by Nedbank representatives during site inspections at OR Tambo’s cargo terminal in 2023.

But ACSA says it has no record of the proposal anywhere in its systems, leaving even officials scratching their heads.

ACSA’s search comes up empty

ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu addressed the controversy while briefing journalists on the company’s festive season performance.

“When we heard about this, we immediately tried to track it down,” Mpofu said. “We can’t find it anywhere. There’s a clear policy for handling private tender applications and unsolicited bids, but this one hasn’t entered our records.”

Mpofu explained that unsolicited bids proposals from private parties outside formal tenders are usually collected and evaluated, especially if they present a unique opportunity not offered by others. But in this case, the proposed R70 million terminal simply doesn’t appear in ACSA’s archives.

“It might have been discussed with a former employee or associated with another company, but on our records, it hasn’t been officially lodged or evaluated. It might just be an idea that never formally entered our system,” she added.

Public speculation and security link

The alleged Matlala terminal reportedly had ties to his private security companies, which added another layer of intrigue. Mpofu admitted: “It seems to have a security link, but we are just as lost as you are.”

Online reaction has ranged from skepticism to amusement, with some social media users joking that the terminal may have existed only in Matlala’s imagination, while others question how such a high-profile proposal could vanish without a trace.

Analysts note that OR Tambo, as South Africa’s busiest airport, has strict policies for new developments, making it unusual for any R70 million proposal, particularly one involving VIP fast-tracking to simply disappear from the record.

A cloud over credibility

Matlala’s name is no stranger to controversy. Allegations of corruption, financial misconduct, and attempts to influence public contracts have followed him for years. While ACSA’s inability to locate a record doesn’t confirm wrongdoing, it fuels public suspicion and raises questions about accountability and transparency in airport development processes.

For now, the mystery remains. Whether the R70 million terminal was a genuine proposal, a concept discussion, or just a media exaggeration, ACSA has confirmed one thing: it officially does not exist in their system.

As Mpofu put it: “We really don’t know, but we are ready to investigate if anyone can provide concrete evidence. Until then, it’s just as puzzling to us as it is to the public.”

{Source: IOL}

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