‘Terminate Levai Mbatha pavement tender amid nepotism,’ demands DA

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has demanded the termination the tender for the construction of a pavement at the Levai Mbatha Clinic in Evaton, south of Johannesburg due to nepotism.

The party said residents seeking employment have been denied access to job opportunities because of cronyism, and potential corruption linked to the appointed service provider, Lethole Trading.

As a result they have urged Gauteng department of health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, to ensure urgent termination of this fishy tender, along with the action being taken against all individuals who unduly benefited from it.

According to Kingsol Chabalala, DA Emfuleni North Constituency Head, the appointed subcontractor, Lethole Trading, is owned by ANC Branch Secretary in Emfuleni, Sipho Ncwadi, who is also serving as the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for the project.

Chabalala said some employees involved in the project which started on 4 December 2024, and currently ongoing have family ties or close relationships with ANC officials in Emfuleni.

“They include Bushy Masangane, who is the husband of the Emfuleni Speaker, and Katlheho Masangane, the Safety Officer (SO) and son of the Emfuleni Speaker.

“This is a typical example of nepotism and cronyism, which the DA has consistently flagged as key contributors to the unmistakable decline of Emfuleni.

“Such unacceptable practices deny residents employment prospects and create a culture of entitlement among the politically powerful or connected,” he remarked.

Chabalala highlighted that this matter represents a conflict of interest that violates the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA).

He added; “In addition, the involvement of individuals with close ties to ANC officials raises questions about possible undue political influence in staffing and contracting, casting doubt on the fairness, transparency, and integrity of this tender.”

Immediate termination of tender

Chabalala stated that they will write to MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko demanding the immediate termination of this suspicious tender and action to be taken against those who unduly benefited from it.

“Emfuleni should not operate like a family business benefitting a politically aligned few. It is a municipality that must serve its ratepayers in an open, ethical, and dignified manner.

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“The DA-led Gauteng provincial government would have ensured that work and business opportunities are presented to all residents transparently and fairly, without favouring comrades and family members – some of whom lack necessary qualifications.

“The DA will continue to expose nepotism and cadre appointments, while also ensuring equal employment opportunities for all residents of Gauteng,” he concluded.