At the Levai Mbata Clinic in Emfuleni, where a routine pavement upgrade has turned into a full-fledged tender scandal, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on the Public Protector to look into allegations of nepotism and corruption.
This follows the DA’s picket outside the Evaton-based clinic last month, during which party members handed over a memorandum demanding transparency and accountability. After giving Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko 14 days in October to act, the party is now following through, urging decisive action against anyone who may have improperly benefited from what it described as a “fishy tender.”
Kingsol Chabalala, DA Emfuleni North Constituency Head, said the project, initially intended to improve access to healthcare facilities, has instead become a symbol of ANC-linked cronyism and misuse of public funds. The DA has submitted a formal complaint to the Public Protector, calling for an urgent investigation into nepotism and conflicts of interest surrounding the recruitment process for the pavement contract at Levai Mbatha Clinic CHC in the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM).
Chabalala revealed troubling links between the project’s contractors and senior municipal officials, which he said point to blatant nepotism and abuse of power.
“The main contract for the paving works was awarded to Mox Trading, which subcontracted portions of the work to Lithole Trading and Starish and Monotsi Construction. What’s most concerning is that two workers on this project, Mr Bushy Masangane and Mr Katleho Masangane, are reportedly the husband and son of Councillor Sibongile Soxuza, who serves as the Speaker of the Emfuleni Local Municipality.”
He added that the DA suspects serious conflicts of interest that may have compromised the integrity of the tender process.
“The employment of her relatives on a municipally funded project creates a conflict of interest under Section 5(1) of the Municipal Systems Act, which prohibits councillors from benefiting themselves or family members. Furthermore, the involvement of the Speaker’s family members strongly suggests nepotism,” he added.
Chabalala said the DA is urging the Public Protector to determine whether Soxuza disclosed her family ties and recused herself from related decisions, review payroll and appointment records for her husband and son, and recommend appropriate disciplinary action.
He also expressed concern over the lack of response from Nkomo-Ralehoko.
“It is concerning that she has not addressed our concerns despite our memorandum demanding an internal investigation. Equally troubling is Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s continued silence and apparent disinterest in these serious allegations, despite the long history of corruption and mismanagement within this department,” he added.
The Levai Mbatha pavement project, which began in December 2024, has stalled amid controversy and payment delays.
The Gauteng Health Department previously stated it remains committed to transparency, emphasising that the subcontractor is locally owned, selected through SMME initiatives, and that all competitive tender processes comply with regulations.
Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba had 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 told The Star.
The Star
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