SIU exposes R167m fake tender in Mogalakwena Municipality

MOKOPANE – The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) has welcomed the decision by the Special Tribunal ordering construction company Easyway Tarmac, Pave and Projects CC to repay nearly R69m to the Mogalakwena Local Municipality.

The ruling follows a successful application by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which found that the company had unlawfully obtained a R167.9m tender for water infrastructure in 2018 by submitting false information regarding previous projects and qualifications.

According to the SIU findings, the company claimed to have completed three major projects valued at more than R50m each. However, one of the projects was reportedly worth only R6.1 million, while another did not exist.

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The investigation also revealed that the company’s contractor grading disqualified it from being eligible for the tender.

FF Plus councillor Elita Wiid said the tribunal’s decision represents an important step in addressing corruption and maladministration at local government level. “Mogalakwena has faced ongoing challenges in providing reliable water services due to poor infrastructure, financial mismanagement, and political interference.

“Contractors who misrepresent their qualifications or manipulate procurement processes should be blacklisted from future tenders,” she said.

The Mogalakwena Municipality acknowledged the SIU’s findings and confirmed that the irregularities stem from a contract awarded during the 2017/18 financial year, before the current administration assumed office.

Mayor Ngoako Taueatsoala said the municipality respects the legal processes under way and reiterated that the current leadership was not involved in the original contract.

“Since taking office, we have strengthened internal controls, improved transparency and ensured compliance with procurement regulations,” he said.

Taueatsoala added that the municipality remains focused on restoring public trust and improving service delivery.

“Our priority is to prevent a repeat of such incidents and to ensure that every contract benefits the people of Mogalakwena,” he said.