ActionSA has demanded an investigation into the eThekwini Municipality's business dealings with a Zimbabwean businessman, Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama, who faces allegations of threatening to kill a woman. The municipality awarded Moriel Infrastructure Group, linked to Mudzinganyama, a contract worth R16.1 million for the North Park Sewer Reticulation, Tie-In and Associated Works. ActionSA councillor and mayoral candidate Zwakele Mncwango wrote to city manager Musa Mbhele, demanding answers and a comprehensive investigation into the municipality's dealings with the businessman.
The contract, valued at R16,105,433.75, was awarded to Moriel Infrastructure Group by eThekwini's Water and Sanitation Unit. According to eThekwini's procurement records, the company was tasked with constructing the North Park Sewer Reticulation, Tie-In and Associated Works. ActionSA is requesting full disclosure from the city manager regarding the contract, including tender records, bidder scores, and amounts paid. The party also wants to know about other contracts or purchase orders involving Moriel Infrastructure Group.
Mncwango stated that ActionSA will request the full tender record, including all bidders and their scores, BEC and BAC reports, amounts paid, variations, subcontractors, CIDB grading, and due diligence conducted on the company and its directors. The party's demands come amid serious public allegations involving the company's former director, Mudzinganyama. In a statement, the municipality noted public concern regarding the contract and allegations circulating publicly about a director of Moriel Infrastructure Group.
The municipality has condemned gender-based violence and femicide, stating that it stands in solidarity with survivors. The municipality encourages anyone with information relating to a crime to report it to the South African Police Service for investigation. According to the municipality, all municipal contracts are administered and monitored in accordance with their contractual conditions and the requirements of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
The contract commenced in May 2025 and is scheduled for completion in November 2026, with the project currently 95% complete. The total project authority, including provisions for price escalation and contingencies, brings the total approved project value to R19,326,520.50. The municipality stated that it would take necessary action in accordance with the contract and applicable legislation if any matter arises that affects a service provider's ability to fulfil its contractual obligations.
Anti-illegal-immigration group March and March's leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, expressed concern that foreign nationals were securing tender work in South Africa. This follows reports that Mudzinganyama's company was also contracted by SANRAL and the Department of Transport. The Department of Transport has called for an investigation into how the work was awarded. Ngobese-Zuma stated that an investigation is needed to determine how Mudzinganyama secured tenders.
Mudzinganyama apologized unreservedly to the women involved in the recent incident, stating that his aggressive and threatening language was unjustifiable and unacceptable. He accepted responsibility for his words and acknowledged that he should have exercised restraint and sought assistance from the restaurant management. ActionSA's Mncwango has committed to ensuring a comprehensive investigation into the contract and all other dealings with Moriel Infrastructure Group if residents entrust him with leading the city following the 4 November elections.
Key points
- ActionSA demands investigation into eThekwini Municipality's R16.1m contract with Moriel Infrastructure Group amid allegations involving a Zimbabwean businessman.
- The contract was awarded for the North Park Sewer Reticulation, Tie-In and Associated Works, valued at R16,105,433.75.
- Mudzinganyama, linked to Moriel Infrastructure Group, faces allegations of threatening to kill a woman, and the Department of Transport has called for an investigation into how the work was awarded.
