Ekurhuleni requests probe into alleged irregular tender awarded to Matlala’s wife

The City of Ekurhuleni has formally requested the Public Protector to conduct an independent investigation into an alleged irregular tender awarded to the wife of suspected crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Last week, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard startling allegations that Tsakane Matlala defrauded the city of about R3.7 million.

Her company, Buena Vista Learning Academy, was awarded a tender three years ago to provide municipal employees with specialised and professional skills development training.

ALSO READ: From braai to bribery: How a shisanyama defrauded Ekurhuleni of R3.7 million

However, it's alleged that the company was not registered as an accredited skills provider and had been registered as a shisanyama just days before submitting its bid for the contract.

City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe said the allegations presented before the commission are deeply concerning.

“Allegations under scrutiny include discrepancies in company registration history, questions around training accreditations and subcontracting arrangements, possible misrepresentation of financial and VAT status, and the disbursement of approximately R3.4 million in SETA grant funding. The bid was founded on specific, critical and indispensable requirements that, evidence suggests, to have been overlooked or intentionally misrepresented.”