'Fishy tender': DA pickets at Evaton clinic over ANC-linked nepotism claims

The Democratic Alliance (DA) took its fight to the gates of Evaton’s Levai Mbata Clinic, staging a picket and handing over a memorandum demanding answers over a pavement upgrade that has spiralled into a tender scandal mired in alleged ANC-linked nepotism. 

Over 500 Evaton residents took to the streets, singing and painting the streets blue in protest over being excluded from job opportunities in the Levai Mbata Clinic pavement project. 

Waving placards reading “Emfuleni is not a family business,” “Stamp out cadre deployment,” and “Stop corruption,” the community demanded an end to what they say is ANC-linked nepotism that continues to choke local opportunities.

The DA has given Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko 14 days to respond, or face being hauled before the Public Protector.

Previously, The Star reported that the DA demanded Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to immediately terminate what it described as a “fishy tender” and take decisive action against anyone who may have benefited improperly.

The DA Emfuleni North Constituency Head, Kingsol Chabalala, revealed that the subcontractor appointed for the project is owned by Sipho Ncwadi, the ANC Branch Secretary in Emfuleni, who also conveniently serves as the project’s Community Liaison Officer. 

Chabalala further exposed that Ncwadi’s family ties link directly to the Emfuleni Speaker, her husband, and her son.

“Some employees involved in the project have family ties or close relationships with ANC officials in Emfuleni. They include Bushy Masangane, who is the husband of the Emfuleni Speaker Sibongile Soxuza, and Katlheho Masangane, the Safety Officer (SO) and son of the Emfuleni Speaker.”

Sharing the same frustration, Gauteng DA leader Solly Msimanga declared that what is unfolding at Levai Mbata Clinic is nothing short of corruption. 

“This is a crime scene,” he said, condemning how an allegedly legitimate project was secretly awarded without the community’s knowledge.

He said residents had raised concerns that only ANC card-carrying members were being given opportunities. 

“When we investigated, we found that even the Speaker of the municipality went as far as hiring her own husband and son to benefit from this project. That is not fair,” Msimanga stressed.

Msimanga warned that unless the MEC intervenes, the DA will escalate the matter to the Public Protector.

WATCH VIDEO HERE: https://rumble.com/v6z4t68-fishy-tender-da-pickets-at-evaton-clinic-over-anc-linked-nepotism-claims.html 

“Public funds cannot be used to benefit an organisation and its families. If this were an administrative glitch, then correct it immediately, recall the appointments, and restart the process fairly. Opportunities must be open to everyone, not just those connected to people in power,” he said.

Ncwadi and the MEC’s office have denied claims that he owns the subcontractor linked to the Levai Mbata Clinic project. 

The Gauteng Health Department has moved to contain the fallout, insisting it remains committed to transparency and accountability. While acknowledging the seriousness of nepotism and conflict-of-interest allegations, the department attributed discrepancies in its legislative responses to an “administrative error”.

“The Department wishes to clarify that the refurbishment project is being managed transparently. Mr Sipho Ncwadi serves as the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) but is not the owner of the subcontractor involved, as per the CIPC database. The subcontractor, Lethole Trading and Projects, is owned by Mr Desmond Majake Letsika, selected through local SMME initiatives to support community development and ensure local participation.”

Gauteng Health Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the department prioritises competitive tender processes and actively involves local SMMEs to boost community participation. 

“These processes are regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with all regulations, including the PFMA, to foster an environment of fairness and transparency,” he added.

The project, which began in December 2024, has paused with progress hampered by controversy and financial delays stemming from non-payment by the department to the service provider. 

The project, which began in December 2024, has paused amid controversy and financial delays stemming from non-payment by the department to the service provider. Initially, 22 residents were employed on the project, not 48 as stated by the MEC, and that number has since dwindled to nine due to financial constraints.

The Star reached out to Soxuza for comment, but multiple calls and messages went unanswered.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za