The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has launched an investigation into its contractor, Moriel Infrastructure Group, following a video showing the company's now-dismissed executive chair and director, Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama, threatening women at a Sandton restaurant. The video, which has been widely circulated, shows Mudzinganyama making disturbing comments towards women in what appears to be a women's powder room. Sanral's acting CEO, Lehlohonolo Memeza, has condemned the incident, emphasizing that no South African can allow women to be threatened and insulted with impunity.
The incident reportedly took place at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton Gate, Johannesburg. In the video, Mudzinganyama can be heard saying, "I will put a bullet in you now, you understand. I will murder you now and walk." He also made comments about his wealth and the perceived poverty of the women. Mudzinganyama has since apologized for the incident. Sanral has confirmed that it has two contracts with Moriel Infrastructure Group for projects on the N1 and N2 national roads.
At the request of transport minister Barbara Creecy, Sanral is investigating whether Moriel Infrastructure Group was lawfully appointed and whether it is fulfilling its contractual obligations. The agency is also consulting its lawyers on taking action against the company for taking Sanral's reputation into disrepute. Memeza stressed that the investigation has started and that Sanral will not tolerate such behavior.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, particularly given the context of widespread gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. According to Memeza, thousands of women and girls have lost their lives due to GBV. Sanral is reviewing its policies and tender documents to include a clause that will exclude companies with directors and senior managers implicated in GBV.
Sanral has invited all public and private entities in the construction sector to join them in seeking ways to blacklist companies with directors or senior managers implicated in GBV. The agency hopes that this will help prevent similar incidents in the future. Public works and infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson has also directed the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to investigate allegations against Moriel Infrastructure Group.
The CIDB investigation will focus on allegations that Moriel Infrastructure Group obtained many construction gradings on the same day and may not have met the requirements for the gradings. According to the department, these gradings may have been used to secure contracts from the government. The CIDB has been instructed to report its findings to the minister.
The investigation into Moriel Infrastructure Group and the incident involving Mudzinganyama is ongoing. Sanral and the CIDB are working to uncover the facts and take appropriate action. The incident has highlighted the need for greater accountability and action against GBV in South Africa.
Key points
- Sanral is investigating Moriel Infrastructure Group after a video showed the company's executive threatening women at a Sandton restaurant.
- The incident has sparked outrage given the context of widespread gender-based violence in South Africa.
- Sanral is reviewing its policies to include a clause excluding companies with directors and senior managers implicated in GBV.
