ActionSA is demanding a probe into a multimillion-rand tender awarded by eThekwini municipality to Moriel Infrastructure Group, a company linked to millionaire businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama. Mudzinganyama was recently arrested for threatening to harm a group of women at a Sandton restaurant. In video footage, he can be heard making threatening statements. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, and Mudzinganyama has since apologized for his actions.
Mudzinganyama's company, Moriel Infrastructure Group, was awarded a tender worth R16.1m by eThekwini municipality for the construction of the North Park Sewer Reticulation, Tie-In and Associated Works Project. The project commenced in May 2025 and is scheduled for completion in November 2026. The total approved project value is R19,326,520.50, including VAT. The project is currently 95% complete.
ActionSA's councillor Zwakele Mncwango has written to eThekwini city manager Musa Mbhele, calling for an investigation into the municipality's dealings with Moriel Infrastructure Group. Mncwango has requested detailed information about the tender, including the contract's original and final values, commencement and completion dates, and current progress. He has also asked about the company's ownership, directors, tax compliance, and CIDB registration.
The eThekwini municipality has confirmed that Moriel Infrastructure Group was contracted for the North Park Sewer Project and has condemned gender-based violence and femicide in all its forms. The municipality has encouraged anyone with information relating to a crime to report it to the South African Police Service.
Public works and infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson has ordered an investigation into Moriel Infrastructure Group, citing allegations that the company obtained multiple gradings from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) on the same day. Macpherson has asked the CIDB to urgently investigate the matter.
The incident involving Mudzinganyama comes amid national outrage over the recent discovery of the bodies of nine women in Ekuruhleni. Mudzinganyama has apologized for his actions, stating that he should have exercised restraint and removed himself from the situation. He has accepted responsibility for his words and conduct.
Sanral has confirmed that it is investigating Moriel Infrastructure Group for projects on the N1 and N2 national roads. The agency is probing whether the company was lawfully appointed and whether it is fulfilling its contractual obligations.
Key points
- ActionSA demands probe into multimillion-rand tender awarded to Moriel Infrastructure Group.
- eThekwini municipality confirms R16.1m tender awarded to Moriel Infrastructure Group for North Park Sewer Project.
- Public works and infrastructure minister orders investigation into Moriel Infrastructure Group.
