ActionSA demands probe into R16m eThekwini tender linked to ‘bullet in you’ businessman

ActionSA demands probe into R16m eThekwini tender after questions were raised about a multimillion-rand municipal contract awarded to Moriel Infrastructure Group, a company previously linked to businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama.

The ActionSA councillor and eThekwini mayoral candidate Zwakele Mncwango has written to city manager Musa Mbhele requesting detailed information about Contract WS-7792, which covers the North Park Sewer Reticulation, Tie-In and Associated Works Project.

The request follows a viral video involving Mudzinganyama at a Sandton restaurant, where he was recorded making threats towards a group of women. The incident has resulted in a criminal case, while several government institutions have also announced investigations involving his business interests.

The developments have placed the spotlight on the municipality’s procurement processes and the R16.1 million contract involving Moriel Infrastructure Group.

ActionSA eThekwini tender probe

ActionSA’s request centres on whether the municipality followed all applicable procurement and due-diligence processes when awarding the contract to Moriel Infrastructure Group.

According to eThekwini Municipality, the contract was awarded at a tender value of R16,105,433.75 including VAT. The approved project authority is higher, at R19,326,520.50 including VAT, because it includes provisions for price escalation and contingencies.

The contract commenced in May 2025 and is scheduled for completion in November 2026. The municipality said the project was approximately 95% complete as of September 2026.

Mncwango wants the city to provide the original and final contract values, commencement and completion dates, payments made, outstanding amounts and details of any variations or extensions.

He is also seeking information about all companies that submitted bids, their tendered amounts and evaluation scores.

The ActionSA councillor has requested the functionality, price, preference, B-BBEE, CIDB and overall scores received by Moriel Infrastructure Group during the procurement process.

The party is also asking for details of due-diligence checks conducted on the company, including its ownership, directors, tax compliance, CIDB registration, Central Supplier Database status, restricted-supplier records and possible conflicts of interest.

Lawrence Mudzinganyama and the allegations

Lawrence Mudzinganyama became the subject of widespread public attention after footage circulated showing him confronting women at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate.

In the footage, he can be heard making threats to shoot and kill the women during the confrontation. The incident prompted a criminal case and calls for him to face the legal process.

Police said Mudzinganyama handed himself over at Randburg police station and was released on a warning to appear in court on October 1, 2026. The case concerns an intimidation allegation, while police investigations continue.

Mudzinganyama later apologised for his conduct, saying he should have exercised restraint and removed himself from the situation.

He said the aggressive and threatening language he used was unacceptable and that he regretted the fear and distress caused by his actions. He also said he would cooperate with law enforcement and undertake professional conflict-management guidance.

The allegations have also been discussed in the broader context of South Africa’s ongoing concerns about gender-based violence and femicide.

Gender-based violence allegations

The controversy surrounding Mudzinganyama has generated scrutiny beyond the criminal case.

Moriel Infrastructure Group announced that it had terminated its association with Mudzinganyama with immediate effect. The company said he would no longer represent, speak for or act on behalf of the group in any capacity. It also condemned threats, violence, abuse and intimidation directed at women.

The South African National Roads Agency, or SANRAL, has separately confirmed that it is investigating its contracts with Moriel Infrastructure Group.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy requested that SANRAL establish whether the company was lawfully appointed and whether it is fulfilling its contractual obligations on projects involving the N1 and N2 national roads.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has also instructed the Construction Industry Development Board to investigate allegations concerning multiple CIDB gradings obtained by Moriel Infrastructure Group on the same day.

The ministry said allegations suggested that the company may not have met the requirements for some of those gradings and that the gradings may subsequently have been used to secure government contracts. The investigation is ongoing and no final finding has been announced.

R16.1m municipality tender

The eThekwini contract involves important infrastructure work in Queensburgh and Northdene.

The North Park Sewer Project includes the construction of new uPVC reticulation pipelines and associated infrastructure, connecting the network to existing bulk lines to route sewage towards the Umhlatuzana Wastewater Treatment Works.

The municipality has confirmed that Moriel Infrastructure Group remains the contractor on the project.

eThekwini said it had noted public concern about Contract WS-7792 following the allegations involving the company’s former director. However, it stressed that criminal matters fall under the authority of law enforcement agencies and the courts.

The municipality also said it would not prejudge any individual or ongoing legal process.

According to the city, if any matter affects a service provider’s ability to fulfil its contractual obligations, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the contract and applicable legislation.

ActionSA is seeking further information about whether Moriel Infrastructure Group has received other contracts, purchase orders, panel appointments, variations or subcontracting arrangements from the municipality.

Mncwango has also asked whether other tenders involving the company are currently being considered and whether local subcontracting or community participation requirements were included in Contract WS-7792.

Moriel Infrastructure Group under scrutiny

The eThekwini controversy comes as Moriel Infrastructure Group faces scrutiny from several public institutions following the Sandton incident.

The company has publicly distanced itself from Mudzinganyama and condemned the conduct captured in the video.

At the same time, the CIDB investigation and SANRAL review are separate processes from ActionSA’s request to eThekwini Municipality.

No findings from those investigations should be treated as established facts until the relevant authorities complete their processes.

For eThekwini residents, the ActionSA request places emphasis on transparency around public procurement, including how bidders were evaluated, how contracts are monitored and how municipal funds are spent.

The municipality maintains that its contracts are administered according to their contractual conditions and the requirements of the Municipal Finance Management Act.

The outcome of any investigation or review could determine whether additional action is required regarding the contract. For now, the R16.1 million tender remains active, with the North Park Sewer Project reported to be about 95% complete.

The matter is therefore likely to remain under public scrutiny as ActionSA seeks answers from the municipality and separate government investigations into Moriel Infrastructure Group continue.

Mainstream media references

TimesLIVE — ActionSA demands probe into R16m eThekwini tender linked to ‘bullet in you’ businessman
Reports on ActionSA’s call for an investigation into the eThekwini Municipality contract involving Moriel Infrastructure Group and Lawrence Mudzinganyama. Read the TimesLIVE report
Daily News — ActionSA calls for probe into eThekwini’s R16.1m Moriel Infrastructure contract
Details ActionSA councillor Zwakele Mncwango’s request for information about Contract WS-7792, including tender scores, payments, variations and due-diligence checks. Read the Daily News report
SABC News — Construction company linked to Mudzinganyama facing scrutiny
Covers government scrutiny of Moriel Infrastructure Group following the Sandton restaurant incident involving Lawrence Mudzinganyama. Read the SABC News report
TimesLIVE — Creecy orders SANRAL probe into contractor linked to Sandton incident
Reports on Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s instruction for SANRAL to investigate Moriel Infrastructure Group’s appointment and contractual obligations. Read the TimesLIVE report

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ActionSA demands probe into R16m eThekwini tender