ActionSA files criminal complaint over failed Boipatong Old Age Home project

ActionSA has lodged a criminal complaint with the Boipatong South African Police Service (SAPS) over the collapse of the R28 million Boipatong Old Age Home project.

The project, launched by the Emfuleni Local Municipality in 2015, has been plagued by delays, including contractor failures, poor administration, and community unrest. 

The Star previously revealed that the project came to a standstill nearly a decade later, after the late discovery of a gas pipeline running beneath the site, halting planning and construction.

On August 20, ActionSA Gauteng Provincial Chairperson Funzi Ngobeni presented evidence at the Boipatong SAPS pointing to financial misconduct, fraudulent spending, and gross dereliction of duty by both contractors and government officials.

“This project is a textbook case of how corruption and incompetence rob communities of dignity. We will not allow public funds to disappear while our elderly continue to suffer without care or protection.” 

Ngobeni added that, given the seriousness and the amount involved, Boipatong SAPS has referred the case to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.

In his complaint, Ngobeni alleges that R25 million was paid to contractors despite the site being abandoned, with professional fees exceeding R3 million disbursed without any corresponding service.

He claims no funds have been recovered, no disciplinary action has been taken against officials, and that the case may involve violations of the PFMA, MFMA, and anti-corruption laws.

He added that ActionSA will urge the Gauteng Premier to use his executive authority to petition the President for a Proclamation under Section 2(1) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 74 of 1996.

The party also calls on Premier Panyaza Lesufi to publicly release the full audit trail of the project, explain why no action has been taken against the companies and officials involved, and commit to recovering public funds while completing the facility for Boipatong’s elderly.

Previously, Gauteng MEC Jacob Mamabolo’s spokesperson, Theo Nkonki, said the government is taking decisive steps to complete the Boipatong Old Age Home by 2026: ‘We have launched a detailed planning process, including updated technical studies, revised project scopes, and active engagement with key stakeholders such as SASOL.’

Nkonki added that safety considerations and redesign efforts are ongoing, and that new contracts will include penalties to ensure contractors are held accountable.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za