Allegations of Tender Fraud Haunt Matatiele Municipality Official

The Matatiele Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape, which prides itself on transparency and good governance, finds itself at the center of a controversy. PR Councillor Mzwamandla Nyembezi, ANC member and head of good governance, is under scrutiny for allegedly scoring R3.5-million in municipal tenders through a company he's associated with. The suspicious dealings have prompted investigations by both the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the Hawks.

Allegations surfaced when the Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson, Yolisa Mgolodela, divulged that Mziomhle Trading received sub-contracts for the electrification of two local villages, reportedly completed within the 2022/23 financial year. Investigations revealed that although Nyembezi resigned as the director of Mziomhle in 2021, he reportedly still wields influence over the enterprise and remains the company's bank account signatory. His relative, Simbongile Nyembezi, is now listed as the firm's sole active member.

This situation escalated when an anonymous whistleblower called out the irregularities in the appointment process of the subcontracting company. The concern was initially raised to the Public Service Commission in June, prompting COGTA MEC Zolile Williams to take action by deploying officials to the municipality for a thorough investigation.

Nyembezi, who reiterates his innocence, has complied with the investigation, according to Luncedo Walaza, the municipal spokesperson. However, differing views within the municipality highlight the tensions surrounding the case. DA MPL Vicky Knoetze has urged for Nyembezi's suspension on the basis of his alleged direct benefit from municipal construction procurement policies. At the same time, DA PR councillor Wonga Potwana emphasizes the lengthiness of COGTA's investigations and argues for Nyembezi's suspension until matters are resolved. Furthermore, Zolile Mosweu from the Matatiele Business Chamber reinforced that public servants and representatives are prohibited from participating in tenders by law.

Amid these allegations, the political and business communities of Matatiele await a resolution, expecting the case to be yet another litmus test for the integrity and accountability of local governance in South Africa. As this story unfolds, Satori News Agency will continue to provide updates on the progress of the investigation and the potential repercussions for those involved.