DA demands suspension of GDARD official over R33.7 million tender scandal

By Levy Masiteng 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has demanded swift action against Loyiso Mkwana, Chief Director of Sustainable Environment at the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), who also served as Chairperson of the Bid Evaluation Committee.

The call follows allegations that Mkwana played a key role in awarding a R33.7 million irregular contract to Enviro Mobi by GDARD and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

Enviro Mobi is associated with prominent figures, including Puleng Peter Mabe, former ANC Youth League treasurer and former Member of Parliament.

Jade Miller, DA’s Gauteng Shadow MEC for Environmental Affairs, revealed these findings during recent oral inquiries in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).

“MEC Peters confirmed no action has been taken, and Mkwana remains in his role on full pay,” Miller told the legislature.

The DA demands Mkwana’s suspension pending criminal proceedings and a comprehensive forensic audit of all current tender beneficiaries linked to the Bid Evaluation Committee chaired by Mkwana.

Furthermore, the party insists on a formal explanation to the GPL on how this scandal occurred under ANC oversight and why no one has been held accountable.

Last year, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revealed that Mkwana approved the contract without proper oversight, resulting in payments of R27,231,750 to Enviro Mobi for undelivered services.

The department also paid over R6.4 million in unexplained “storage fees” and additional unverified costs.

Miller expressed outrage that Mkwana continues in his position, drawing a taxpayer-funded salary despite facing fraud charges and ongoing court proceedings.

“Despite fraud charges, SIU referrals, and ongoing court proceedings at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, Mkwana has not been suspended,” she emphasized.

The SIU investigation found that approximately R15 million (45% of the contract value) was transferred to Mabe, his family, and entities under his influence.

The SIU has