Ekurhuleni seeks PP probe into R3m Tsakane Matlala tender
The City of Ekurhuleni has referred its Human Resources training tender to the Public Protector for an independent investigation into the issues raised at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
City spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe said the contract, which involves the appointment of accredited skills development providers to roll out qualifications and training programmes until the end of June, is now subject to external investigation.
The tender relates to training initiatives funded in part by Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) grants and is intended to support employee skills development within the municipality.
Mbengashe added that the decision to approach the Public Protector follows prima facie evidence presented before the commission, as well as media reports questioning whether Buena Vista Learning Academy met the necessary accreditation and compliance requirements at the time of its appointment.
"The allegations relate to accreditation issues, company registration discrepancies, and the disbursement of approximately R3.4 million in SETA funding," he said.
On Friday, the Madlanga Commission heard startling evidence about how the company linked to Tsakane Matlala, the wife of alleged crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, received millions of rand from the Ekurhuleni Municipality.
In July 2023, the city invited bids from accredited training providers to implement professional qualification programmes.
However, the contract was awarded to Buena Vista Learning Academy, which, according to documents submitted to evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, was not registered as a skills development provider at the time.
The commission heard that just days before submitting its bid, the company had been operating under the name Mokoko Grill, described as a local shisanyama business.
Its sole director is Tsakane Matlala, previously Tsakane Baloyi.
Documents presented to the commission show that while the original tender was valued at R66,500, payments to the company eventually totalled approximately R3.7 million.
City Manager Kagiso Lerutla has also now instructed the municipality’s internal audit division to conduct a detailed review of the supply chain management and Human Resources processes connected to the tender to assess compliance with procurement regulations.
"The city will fully cooperate with the Madlanga Commission, and decisive action will be taken should wrongdoing be confirmed,” he stated.
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