Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba has expressed concern over the ease with which foreign nationals enter and allegedly take advantage of weaknesses in the state. Speaking at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Ramathuba made the remarks in light of the controversy surrounding businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama. Mudzinganyama's alleged threats against women at a Sandton restaurant have led to his arrest and increased scrutiny of his business dealings.
Ramathuba accused corrupt police officers and government officials of helping criminals gain access to the country. She called on government officials to introspect and change the way they do their work. Her comments come days after a video of Mudzinganyama went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage. In the video, Mudzinganyama is heard threatening a group of women, allegedly telling them he would "put a bullet" in them and would murder them and walk away.
Mudzinganyama later apologized, saying his language was unacceptable and unjustifiable, and he accepted responsibility for his conduct. He handed himself over at Randburg police station and was arrested on a charge of intimidation. He was released on a warning and is expected to appear in the Randburg magistrate's court on October 1. Ramathuba expressed satisfaction that action is being taken against Mudzinganyama and emphasized that the matter should be dealt with to the end.
Ramathuba also hit back at Mudzinganyama's alleged comments about South African women being poor. The premier said Mudzinganyama had left poverty in his own country but came to South Africa and boasted about making millions through government tenders. This has raised questions about Mudzinganyama's business interests and how he secured government contracts.
Mudzinganyama's business interests have come under scrutiny, particularly his role as executive chair and director of Moriel Infrastructure Group. The company has government contracts, including two projects with the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) on the N1 and N2. Transport minister Barbara Creecy has instructed Sanral's board to investigate whether Moriel was lawfully appointed and was meeting the terms of its contracts.
Public works and infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson has ordered the Construction Industry Development Board to investigate allegations that Moriel obtained several construction gradings on the same day, and whether it met the requirements for the gradings. The investigation is ongoing, and no finding of wrongdoing has been made. The company's work in KwaZulu-Natal has also come under the spotlight, with the eThekwini municipality confirming Moriel was awarded a R16.1m contract for the North Park sewer reticulation, tie-in and associated works Project.
ActionSA has called for an investigation into the tender, asking for information on the procurement process and the due diligence checks carried out before the contract was awarded. Ramathuba emphasized that the developments should force the government to examine how its systems are being used and whether officials are allowing criminals to enter and operate in the country. She stressed that government officials need to take responsibility and change their ways to prevent such incidents in the future.
Key points
- Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba criticizes government officials for allowing foreign nationals to enter and disrespect South Africa.
- Businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama's alleged threats against women have led to his arrest and increased scrutiny of his business dealings.
- The incident has raised questions about Mudzinganyama's business interests and how he secured government contracts.
