By Sihle Mavuso
The eThekwini municipality in KwaZulu-Natal has come under scrutiny after it emerged that it awarded a R16.1 million tender to Moriel Infrastructure Group, a company previously chaired by Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama.
Mudzinganyama came into the public spotlight after he was filmed threatening women who had rejected his advances at a Sandton restaurant.
Following the incident, the company’s past dealings came under scrutiny, including a R16.1 million tender awarded by eThekwini municipality.
ActionSA provincial leader and eThekwini councillor Zwakele Mncwango has written to City Manager Musa Mbhele demanding answers about the contract.
Mncwango said eThekwini’s procurement records show that Moriel Infrastructure Group was awarded Contract WS-7792, worth R16,105,433.75, for the construction of the North Park Sewer Reticulation, Tie-In and Associated Works.
He said ActionSA had requested the full tender record, including details of all bidders and their scores, Bid Evaluation Committee and Bid Adjudication Committee reports, amounts paid, variations, subcontractors, the company’s CIDB grading and due diligence conducted on the company and its directors.
“We also want disclosure of all other eThekwini contracts or purchase orders involving Moriel Infrastructure Group. With national authorities reportedly examining the company’s dealings with other organs of state, eThekwini cannot remain silent about its own relationship with the company,” Mncwango said.
“As ActionSA’s eThekwini Mayoral Candidate, I commit that should residents entrust me with leading the City following the 4 November elections, I will ensure that the Municipality conducts a comprehensive investigation into this contract and all other dealings with Moriel Infrastructure Group.
“eThekwini residents deserve to know who receives their money, how contracts are awarded and whether every rand was spent lawfully and transparently,” he said.
eThekwini has confirmed that Moriel Infrastructure Group was awarded the tender, with municipal spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila saying the project is 95% complete.
Mzila said criminal matters fell within the mandate of law enforcement agencies and the courts, and that the municipality would not prejudge any individual or ongoing legal process.
He said if any matter arose that affected a service provider’s ability to fulfil its contractual obligations, the municipality would take the necessary action in accordance with the contract and applicable legislation.
“Moriel Infrastructure Group (Pty) Ltd is contracted by eThekwini Water and Sanitation for the implementation of the North Park Sewer Reticulation, Tie-In and Associated Works Project.
“The contract was awarded at a tender value of R16,105,433.75, including VAT.
“In line with standard infrastructure project management practices, the total project authority includes provisions for price escalation and contingencies, bringing the total approved project value to R19,326,520.50, including VAT.
“The contract commenced in May 2025 and is scheduled for completion in November 2026. The project is currently 95% complete. All municipal contracts are administered and monitored in accordance with their contractual conditions and the requirements of the Municipal Finance Management Act,” Mzila said.
Meanwhile, Portfolio Committee on Transport chairperson and MP Donald Selamolela said Mudzinganyama’s alleged behaviour was unacceptable and should not be tolerated.
“We have been patient for too long against those who perpetuate these unacceptable behaviours. The processes that have been invoked can never be enough sanction. In addition, there needs to be a thorough follow-up on all performance related to this contractor,” he said.
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