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Cracks in the Highway: R29 Billion SANRAL Scandal Snares ANC Councillor

Published

4 weeks ago

August 7, 2025

Chiraag

A national development dream is now marred by fear, bribes, and family favours

What started as one of South Africa’s most ambitious infrastructure projects has now been clouded by allegations of corruption, nepotism, and financial misconduct. At the centre is long-serving ANC councillor Sibusiso Mkhize, now under investigation in connection with the R29 billion SANRAL N3 highway upgrade between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

The project, a key part of the country’s Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs), was designed to reduce traffic, boost safety, and create over 33,500 jobs, with R8.8 billion ring-fenced for Black-owned businesses. But instead of uplifting communities in KwaZulu-Natal, locals now say the system has been hijacked by political favours and pay-to-work schemes.

Jobs for sale, favours for family

Mkhize was appointed by Msunduzi Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla to represent the municipality on the Project Liaison Committee overseeing the SANRAL N3 upgrade. But insiders allege he used this position to benefit close relatives, including his son, Sthabiso Mkhize, and three maternal family members.

“It’s blatant nepotism,” said one source. “Deserving people are being sidelined for those with connections.”

Even worse are allegations that job-seekers were told to pay between R500 and R3,000 for positions on the project. Those who refused were simply left out. This so-called “jobs-for-sale” scheme has triggered widespread frustration in communities like Mkhondeni and Willowfontein, where unemployment is already high.

Intimidation, bribes, and front companies

Sources say residents fear speaking out due to Mkhize’s alleged ties to powerful taxi bosses. Many believe he’s protected by higher-ups in the municipality, making accountability almost impossible.

There’s more. A company reportedly linked to Mkhize through a friend acting as a front is allegedly profiting from the highway contract. If proven, this would represent a serious conflict of interest, a clear violation of procurement rules.

Mkhize and his wife, Nkule MaKhuzwayo, are also being investigated for allegedly receiving over R169,000 in bribes from Base Major Joint Venture CSC, a Chinese-led consortium involved in the project. Investigators believe monthly transfers of R25,000 may still be flowing into MaKhuzwayo’s account.

Internal and national investigations launched

When approached, both Mkhize and his son declined to comment. But the investigations are rolling out.

Eunice Majola, Speaker of the Msunduzi Council, confirmed that the matter is under internal audit.

“If the audit finds evidence of wrongdoing, it will be escalated,” she said.

Meanwhile, SANRAL spokesperson Lwando Mahlasela confirmed that the national agency is actively investigating.

“SANRAL takes these allegations very seriously and will communicate findings once available,” Mahlasela stated.

Political fallout brewing

Mkhize has since been replaced on the Project Liaison Committee, and Mayor Thebolla has tried to distance himself from the scandal.

But opposition parties are turning up the heat. The EFF’s Chuma Wakeni says the delay in action is damaging the city’s credibility. The ACDP’s Rienus Niemand claims that the corruption extends beyond one councillor, pointing to a broader racketeering network involving the sale of municipal jobs.

“People need to be prosecuted now. That’s the only way to restore public trust,” Niemand said.

A mayor under scrutiny

Mayor Thebolla is also facing his own challenges. In June 2025, the DA submitted a motion to investigate his alleged role in maladministration and irregular procurement decisions. The claims come from former city manager Lulamile Mapholoba, who accused Thebolla of making financial decisions without council approval and awarding contracts without following due process.

Although the motion was listed as a confidential item, opposition parties have been vocal about the need for transparent governance.

Trust, not tarmac, is the real roadblock

For residents of Msunduzi and communities along the N3 corridor, what was meant to be a transformative national project has turned into a symbol of everything wrong with local governance.

As investigations continue, all eyes are on whether real consequences will follow or whether this will become just another pothole in South Africa’s long road to accountability.