The Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) has been described as ‘a toothless dog’ by councillors.

Well, not anymore, as evidenced by the shocking announcement by the DA that Municipal Manager Mandla Mnguni will be investigated over his involvement in an alleged tenders for kickbacks scheme, worth a staggering R1b.

Through its MPAC Chairperson Hennie Niemann, the DA in Steve Tshwete has today launched an investigation into allegations of tender fraud in electrification projects.

According to Niemann, a whistleblower reached out to MPAC last week to investigate, and if necessary, open a case of fraud against Mnguni, for allegedly awarding tenders for electrification projects to known associates.

It is alleged that Mnguni used his position to appoint two companies, with the same owner, to carry out electrification projects worth R1b across the 2023/24-2025/26 financial years.

The whistleblower alleges that Mnguni ignored recommendations of the bid adjudication committee, which warned him about possible perceived collusion.

Mnguni also allegedly defied two legal opinions, binding him to abide by the bid adjudication committee’s recommendations.

In addition, the whistleblower alleges that Mnguni received alleged kickbacks in the form of a house in Aerorand, in which he resides, as well a farm in Stoffberg and an emergency helicopter for the ambulance company he allegedly owns.

Taking these allegations seriously, the DA has launched an investigation through its MPAC chairperson by requesting the necessary bid evaluation reports and the adjudication committee recommendations that date back to 2023.

Niemann said he’ll ensure that the investigation request is fairly, and transparently, handled.

Niemann added, “We will prioritise this investigation and make sure that we provide a detailed report within the next 21 days.”

Phone calls to Mnguni for comment went unanswered.

He also did not respond to WhatsApp requests for comment before publication.