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From Shisanyama to R3.7m Tender? Ekurhuleni Probes Matlala Link, Sends Case to Public Protector
The City of Ekurhuleni has asked the Public Protector to investigate an allegedly irregular R3.7 million tender awarded to a company linked to the wife of suspected crime boss Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
The Allegations
Evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry alleges that Matlala’s wife received millions from the metro after her company, Buena Vista Learning Academy, was appointed three years ago to provide municipal employees with qualifications and skills development programmes.
The contract runs on an as-and-when-required basis until 30 June 2026.
The Red Flags
The allegations under scrutiny include:
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Discrepancies in the company’s registration history
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Questions around its training accreditations and subcontracting arrangements
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Possible misrepresentation of financial and VAT status
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The disbursement of approximately R3.4 million in SETA grant funding
According to evidence submitted to the commission, at the time of bidding, the company was allegedly not registered as a skills development provider authorised to implement the required professional qualification programmes.
Shortly before submitting its bid, it had reportedly been operating as a local shisanyama business.
The Response
Ekurhuleni head of communications Phakamile Mbengashe confirmed that city manager Kagiso Lerutla had referred the tender to Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka for investigation.
“The referral follows prima facie evidence presented at the Madlanga Commission and subsequent media reports raising serious concerns about the appointment of Buena Vista Learning Academy as an accredited skills development provider.”
Mbengashe said the bid “was founded on specific, critical and indispensable requirements that evidence suggests may have been overlooked or intentionally misrepresented.”
The Investigations
The city has launched a two-pronged response:
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A comprehensive internal investigation led by the Internal Audit Division to review supply chain management and human resources processes
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A referral to the Public Protector for independent oversight
The referral was made under the Public Protector Act 23 of 1994, empowering the office to investigate alleged maladministration, improper conduct, or unlawful enrichment.
The Commitment
The city said it remains fully committed to cooperating with the Madlanga Commission and will continue to assist its processes transparently.
It added that it will monitor and document all allegations of corruption and maladministration raised before the commission and, where necessary, institute swift investigations and enforce appropriate consequence management if wrongdoing is established.
The Bottom Line
A shisanyama that became a skills development provider. A R3.7 million tender. A link to an alleged crime boss. And now, a Public Protector investigation.
Ekurhuleni has promised transparency and consequence management. The question is whether the probe will deliverand whether the millions can be recovered if wrongdoing is proven.
{Source: Citizen}
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