Tshwane Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya has announced decisive measures to blacklist companies associated with controversial businessman Edwin Sodi due to their involvement in the failed Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade. The project’s collapse has been linked to a prolonged water crisis in Hammanskraal, which contributed to a deadly cholera outbreak.
During an oversight visit to the troubled facility, Mayor Moya confirmed that the City of Tshwane has resubmitted necessary documents to the National Treasury to formally blacklist NJR Projects and Blackhead Consulting, both tied to Sodi. These companies were awarded the R250–R295 million contract in 2019 but failed to complete the work, leaving behind substandard construction.
The upgrade was intended to enhance water treatment capacity and safety for northern Tshwane residents. Instead, the project’s failure led to ongoing water contamination, culminating in a 2023 cholera outbreak that killed more than 20 people and sickened hundreds. The city terminated the contract in 2022 due to repeated delays, non-compliance, and poor performance by the contractors.
While initial attempts to blacklist the companies faced procedural delays after the National Treasury raised concerns about the application, Mayor Moya assured residents that corrected documentation has been submitted. The city is now awaiting a final decision.
Meanwhile, new contractors have been appointed to restart the stalled project. Phase 1A of the refurbishment has already been completed ahead of schedule, with remaining phases expected to be finished by mid-2025. Officials hope this will finally provide a safe and reliable water supply to affected communities.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, who joined Moya during the inspection, supported the mayor’s stance, stating that those responsible for the project’s failure will be held accountable.
The City of Tshwane’s renewed focus on transparency and justice follows widespread public frustration over infrastructure failures and corruption allegations. The Rooiwal scandal has long symbolized mismanagement, but officials now say they are committed to rebuilding trust and preventing similar failures in the future.
Edwin Sodi, already implicated in multiple corruption cases—including the Free State’s controversial asbestos project—has not publicly responded to the latest developments. If the blacklisting proceeds, his companies could face significant legal and reputational repercussions.
