Pavement upgrade at Evaton clinic embroiled in nepotism scandal claims

An ordinary pavement upgrade at Evaton’s Levai Mbata Clinic has exploded into a tender scandal: the opposition party allege lucrative work and site posts were steered to politically connected insiders, some with family ties to ANC figures in Emfuleni. 

This comes after the Democratic Alliance (DA) called on Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to immediately terminate what it described as a “fishy tender” and to take firm action against all individuals who may have benefited improperly.

According to DA Emfuleni North Constituency Head Kingsol Chabalala, Evaton residents have been shut out of job opportunities in the Levai Mbata Clinic pavement project, which he says has been tainted by nepotism, cronyism, and possible corruption involving the appointed service provider.

Chabalala added that the appointed subcontractor is owned by Sipho Ncwadi, the ANC Branch Secretary in Emfuleni, who is also serving as the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for the project.

 “Some employees involved in the project have family ties or close relationships with ANC officials in Emfuleni. They include Bushy Masangane, who is the husband of the Emfuleni Speaker Sibongile Soxuza, and Katlheho Masangane, the Safety Officer (SO) and son of the Emfuleni Speaker.”

In a written reply to Chabalala in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), Nkomo-Ralehoko stated that Ncwadi was both the CLO and a director of the subcontractor, Lethole Trading.

Chabalala argued that the Levai Mbata case reflects a classic pattern of nepotism and cronyism, problems the DA has long warned are driving Emfuleni’s decline. 

He said such practices rob ordinary residents of fair job opportunities while entrenching a culture of entitlement among the politically connected.

“Furthermore, this matter represents a conflict of interest that violates the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA).

''In addition, the involvement of individuals with close ties to ANC officials raises questions about possible undue political influence in staffing and contracting, casting doubt on the fairness, transparency, and integrity of this tender.

“Emfuleni should not operate like a family business benefitting a politically aligned few. It is a municipality that must serve its ratepayers in an open, ethical, and dignified manner,” Chabalala added.

Ncwadi has dismissed the allegations, rejecting claims that he holds dual roles as both subcontractor and CLO on the Levai Mbata Clinic pavement project. He said the accusations are false, misleading, and damaging to his reputation.

“I am not the owner, director, or representative of Lethole Trading, nor of any subcontractor involved in this project. My sole role in this project is as the appointed CLO, which is strictly limited to facilitating communication between the contractor, workers, and the community. I have no financial interest in, or control over, the subcontracting process.”

He insisted that the MEC and DA’s claims are false and misleading, calling on those involved to retract the allegations and correct the public record. Ncwadi affirmed his commitment to performing his duties as CLO with integrity and in the best interest of the Evaton community.

The project, which began in December 2024, has paused with progress hampered by controversy and financial delays stemming from non-payment by the department to the service provider. 

Initially, 22 residents were employed on the project, not 48 as stated by the MEC, but that number has since dwindled to nine due to financial challenges.

Ncwadi rejected Chabalala’s allegations that members of the Emfuleni Speaker’s family were improperly employed on the project.

He clarified that Katleho Masangane is participating solely in in-service training for his safety officer qualification, while Bushy Masangane, a pensioner, merely accompanies his son to and from training and is not employed on the project — despite their names appearing in paperwork provided to The Star by Chabalala.

The Gauteng Department of Health has moved to contain the fallout, insisting it remains committed to transparency and accountability. While acknowledging the seriousness of the nepotism and conflict-of-interest allegations dogging the Levai Mbata project, the department attributed discrepancies in the legislature’s responses to an “administrative error”, a claim likely to raise further questions about accuracy, oversight, and political accountability.

“The Department wishes to clarify that the refurbishment project is being managed transparently. Mr. Sipho Ncwadi serves as the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) but is not the owner of the subcontractor involved, as per the CIPC database. The subcontractor, Lethole Trading and Projects, is owned by Mr. Desmond Majake Letsika, selected through local SMME initiatives to support community development and ensure local participation.”

Gauteng Health Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the department prioritises competitive tender processes and actively involves local SMMEs to boost community participation. 

“These processes are regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with all regulations, including the PFMA, to foster an environment of fairness and transparency,” he added.

The Star repeatedly reached out to Soxuza for comment, but despite multiple calls and messages, there was no response.

The Star

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