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.
The tender in question is valued at R16.1m and was awarded to Moriel Infrastructure Group 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. According to the municipality, the total project authority includes provisions for price escalation and contingencies, bringing the total approved project value to R19,326,520.50.
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 is seeking information on the contract's original and final values, commencement and completion dates, current progress, total payments made, and outstanding amounts. He has also asked for details on the company's ownership, directors, tax compliance, and CIDB registration.
The municipality has confirmed that Moriel Infrastructure Group was contracted to eThekwini Water and Sanitation for the implementation of the North Park Sewer Reticulation, Tie-In and Associated Works Project. The municipality has condemned gender-based violence and femicide in all its forms, and 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, following allegations that the company obtained multiple gradings from the Construction Industry Development Board on the same day. Macpherson has asked the CIDB to urgently investigate the matter. Sanral has also confirmed that it is investigating its contractor, Moriel Infrastructure Group, for projects on the N1 and N2 national roads.
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, saying he should have exercised restraint and removed himself from the situation. He has also acknowledged that he was wrong to threaten the women and has accepted responsibility for his words and conduct.
ActionSA's call for an investigation into the tender is part of a broader effort to ensure accountability and transparency in government contracting. The party has expressed concerns about the awarding of contracts to companies linked to individuals with questionable conduct. The eThekwini municipality has confirmed that it will cooperate with any investigation and will take necessary action in accordance with the terms of the contract and applicable legislation.
Key points
- ActionSA demands probe into R16m eThekwini tender linked to Lawrence Mudzinganyama.
- Moriel Infrastructure Group was awarded tender for North Park Sewer Reticulation project.
- Investigation into company's grading and contracting practices ordered by minister Dean Macpherson.
