Former Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) CEO, Mduduzi Vilakazi, has not been appointed as Premier Mandla Ndlovu’s special advisor after concerns were raised about his suitability.

Lowvelder has confirmed that the premier’s office submitted a request to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) for concurrence, but the process was halted after verification checks were not furnished.

Vilakazi, who served as MTPA CEO from April 2022 until November 2025, resigned shortly before facing a disciplinary panel. His resignation followed a forensic investigation that alleged irregularities, including what investigators described as a R380 million “ghost tender” scandal. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has confirmed that the matter is under investigation.

READ: Suspended MTPA CEO Hekzin Vilakazi resigns ahead of disciplinary hearing

Instructions issued in 2024 by then MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, included opening a criminal case and recovering approximately R14 million. Lowvelder has established that these steps were not implemented.

Concerns about Vilakazi’s potential appointment surfaced when he was listed as a guest speaker at a business conference under the title “special advisor to the premier,” despite the appointment not being finalised.

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Acting deputy director general George Mthethwa told Lowvelder: “Mr Vilakazi has not yet been appointed. The office has written to the DPSA to ask for concurrence.”

Dumisani Hlophe, the DPSA acting deputy director-general for negotiations, labour relations, and remuneration, confirmed receipt of the request but said proof of verification checks had not been provided.