SEBOKENG. – The ANC’s branch secretary, Sipho Ncwadi, who is serving as the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for the Levai Mbatha CHC pavement project, has strongly refuted allegations by the DA’s Emfuleni North Constituency Head, MPL Kingsol Chabalala, that he is the owner of Lethole Trading, one of the subcontractors appointed for the project.

Chabalala released a statement accusing Ncwadi of benefiting from the tender through nepotism and cronyism, alleging that Lethole Trading is his company. He further claimed that employees involved in the project include individuals with close ties to ANC officials in Emfuleni, among them Bushy Masangane, husband of the Emfuleni Speaker, and Katleho Masangane, the Speaker’s son and the project’s Safety Officer.

The DA also alleged that residents of Evaton seeking employment on the project have been denied access to job opportunities in the project. Chabalala demanded that Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko terminate what he called a “fishy tender” and take action against all those who have “unduly benefited.” He said the information implicating Ncwadi was revealed by the MEC in a written reply to questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

“This is a typical example of nepotism and cronyism, which the DA has consistently flagged as key contributors to Emfuleni’s decline,” Chabalala said.  “Such practices deny residents job opportunities while fostering a culture of entitlement among the politically connected.”

Speaking to Ster North, Ncwadi refuted the allegations as false, misleading, and harmful to his reputation.

“I note with deep concern allegations that I hold dual roles as both subcontractor and CLO in this project. I am not the owner, director, or representative of Lethole Trading, or of any subcontractor. My sole role is that of CLO, tasked only with facilitating communication between the contractor, workers, and the community,” he told Ster North. Ncwadi added that the allegations have caused him sleepless nights.

“My biggest fear is how this is going to affect my kids. I hope they won’t be bullied because of this. I pray that the truth will prevail,” he said, adding that he has also received numerous calls of support from community members who believe in his innocence.

Meanwhile, Chabalala insisted that the DA has not caused Ncwadi reputational damage, saying their statement was based on official information provided by the MEC’s office.

However, the Gauteng Department of Health has since clarified the matter. Department spokesperson Motaletale Modiba confirmed that Ncwadi is the CLO and not the owner of the subcontractor. According to the CIPC database, Lethole Trading and Projects is owned by Desmond Majake Letsika, who was appointed through local SMME initiatives aimed at supporting community development and ensuring local participation.