The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector, calling for an urgent investigation into alleged nepotism and conflicts of interest linked to a pavement construction project at the Levai Mbatha Clinic Community Health Centre (CHC) in Emfuleni.
Kingsol Chabalala MPL, DA Emfuleni North Constituency Head, says the party has uncovered troubling evidence suggesting that politically connected individuals may have benefitted improperly from the municipal contract.
Concerns Over Contract Award and Subcontracting
The main paving contract at Levai Mbatha CHC was awarded to Mox Trading, which then subcontracted parts of the project to Lithole Trading and Starish and Monotsi Construction.
However, according to the DA, red flags emerged when it was discovered that two individuals working on the project — Bushy Masangane and Katleho Masangane — are the husband and son of Councillor Sibongile Soxuza, the Speaker of the Emfuleni Local Municipality.
Possible Violation of Municipal Systems Act
The DA argues that this situation appears to contradict Section 5(1) of the Municipal Systems Act, which prohibits councillors from benefiting themselves or their families through municipal projects.
Given Cllr Soxuza’s influential position and oversight responsibilities in the municipality, the employment of her relatives raises concerns about:
- Conflict of interest
- Nepotism
- Unfair influence over municipal processes
DA’s Request to the Public Protector
The complaint calls on the Public Protector to investigate whether:
- Cllr Soxuza declared her family’s involvement in the project
- She recused herself from any related tender or oversight discussions
- Payroll and appointment records confirm the roles and payments made to the two workers
The DA further requests that appropriate disciplinary action be recommended if wrongdoing is confirmed.
Silence From Provincial Leadership
Chabalala expressed disappointment in the lack of response from Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, who has yet to acknowledge or act upon the DA’s memorandum requesting an internal probe.
Equally concerning, he says, is the silence of Premier Panyaza Lesufi, despite the department’s long-standing issues of corruption, mismanagement, and poor accountability.
DA’s Commitment to Clean Governance
The DA maintains that a future DA-led Gauteng administration would prioritize transparent and fair tender processes, ensuring local businesses benefit based on merit rather than political connections.
“We would eliminate nepotism and restore fairness so that all Emfuleni residents benefit from community development projects,” Chabalala said.
