SASOLBURG – A tender scandal in Amelia, Sasolburg, has left residents fuming and the dead robbed. This comes after a senior EFF councillor was implicated in a shocking R13m graveyard construction project.
Ward 23 councillor Manana Mozolo is accused of manipulating the project to benefit herself, friends, and family.
According to information at Ster’s disposal, a newly registered company belonging to the councillor’s daughter pocketed thousands for work that was never done.
Speaking to the publication, community leader and whistleblower, Teleki Taats, said the councillor allegedly called the shots on the multi-million-rand project, from influencing contractor appointments to ensuring her daughter’s company, Lelos Horizon (PTY) LTD, got a lucrative slice of the pie.
“The project remains closed to this day following squabbles between the councillor and contractors. We’ve escalated the matter and inquired with the municipality, but we haven’t gotten relevant answers. Instead, the manager of Parks and Cemeteries said he is also in the dark on it and doesn’t understand the report because it is technically written,” he said.
Documents seen by Ster South show Lelos Horizon, owned by Nombulelo Mozolo, the councillor’s daughter, was registered in July 2024.
Within just six months, the company was subcontracted in Ward 23 and received R57 661 for work that “has not happened.”
Ster also received documents fuelling the situation as the payment records show that councillor Mozolo herself received R330 in January, allegedly linked to the same project.
Despite a supposed 80% completion rate according to the municipality, sources on the ground say the only visible progress is a perimeter fence.
Ster forwarded a media inquiry on the matter to the EFF in the Free State, offering a right of reply.
EFF Free State Provincial Secretary Bosanku Msimanga confirmed the party is investigating the allegations.
“EFF in the Free State is conducting internal investigations. We remain true to our principles, fighting for an open, accountable, and corruption-free government,” said Msimanga.
Metsimaholo Local Municipality spokesperson Dr. Gino Albert said the municipality is aware of the concerns raised and takes such allegations of fraud and corruption very seriously.
“Any act of fraud, corruption, or unethical conduct by a councillor or municipal official is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We strongly condemn any attempt to compromise the integrity of our municipal processes, procurement systems, or the trust of our residents,” he said.
“While we cannot comment or speculate on allegations, we assure the public that the municipality has zero tolerance for corrupt practices. We remain committed to ensuring that procurement processes are fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective, as required by law,” he added.
