A scandal of epic proportions is unravelling, exposing the dark nexus between powerful figures, fake documentation, and tenders worth billions. At the centre: Hangwani Morgan Maumela (“Maumela”)—already reeling from a R2.3 billion looting scandal at Tembisa Hospital—and Brown Mogotsi, whose ties to Maumela and other tenderpreneurs are beginning to surface in fresh allegations involving a new R1 billion health contract in the North West. What is becoming clearer: this is no isolated case, but a pattern of systemic abuse, benefit sharing, and impunity.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) released an interim report showing three major syndicates siphoning off over R2 billion from Tembisa Hospital. One of these syndicates is the Maumela syndicate, linked to Hangwani Maumela. Investigators identified 41 suppliers / service providers tied to Maumela, with irregularities in hundreds of procurement contracts, false documentation, fronting, and inflated invoices.
Among the loots: luxury properties (in Bantry Bay, Sandton, Ballito, etc.), high‑end vehicles (multiple Lamborghinis, a Bentley), and assets valued over R500 million tied to Maumela’s network.
Despite being under investigation, Maumela (through his proxy company Aloo Construction & Supply) has bid for a R1 billion tender from the North West Department of Health. The tender was for catering services — supplying food to 17 hospitals and clinics over four years. Aloo allegedly submitted a fake B‑BBEE certificate, among other falsified documentation. The tender was awarded to another company, but Aloo secured an interim interdict in Mahikeng High Court, which has stalled implementation.
Other red flags: pricing submitted by Aloo is wildly inflated in certain line items; use of proxies, same email addresses / company registration addresses as companies known to be linked to Maumela; operations outside declared provinces; questions over authenticity of documents.
Here is where Brown Mogotsi enters the picture. His name has been associated with controversial tenders previously (for example the cancelled SAPS medical services tender, where involvement of Matlala and Mogotsi was raised) and political connections.
While direct evidence publicly linking Mogotsi to the new R1 billion health tender is not yet confirmed, the emerging patterns — proxies, networks of shell companies, use of front persons, political protection — mirror earlier cases in which Mogotsi is alleged to have operated. The “bedfellows” implication is that Mogotsi and Maumela share networks, influence or mutual benefit, particularly where tenders are large, scrutiny is possible, but enforcement is weak.
Public health cost: When R2 billion earmarked for hospital supplies, food, or equipment is stolen or misused, the consequences are real — shortages, poor patient care, delayed services, less staff, broken trust.
Weak points exposed: Procurement thresholds (e.g. below R500,000), the bidding process, failure to enforce verification of B‑BBEE certificates, the use of interdicts to stall justice—all exploited.
Systemic corruption and political protection: Maumela is reportedly President Ramaphosa’s nephew (through a previous marriage), which raises questions about oversight, accountability, and whether those ties have shielded him.
Here are key threads we believe will either crack or further implicate the connection:
- Corporate / company linkages Are there companies tied to Mogotsi and Maumela that share addresses, bank accounts, emails, or directors? Proxy directors or shell companies?
- Tender documentation Review B‑BBEE certificates, tax clearance, supplier registrations, prior lists, audit trails. Any patterns of forgeries or mis‑statements?
- Court interdicts & legal delays Why is the interdict against the tender being enforced? Who benefits from delay? Who is funding the lawsuits?
- Asset forfeiture and freezes Are assets of Mogotsi or co‑beneficiaries being tracked? What’s frozen / preserved, what remains hidden?
- Political oversight and reaction How have ANC, government agencies, and law enforcement responded? How strong is pressure from opposition, civil society?
- Hangwani Morgan Maumela: Already implicated, investigated by SIU and Hawks; central in the Tembisa scandal; linked to or controlling multiple front‑companies.
- Aloo Construction & Supply: Proxy company bidding for the R1 billion tender; allegedly using forged documents.
- Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala: Linked to several contracts in the Maumela syndicate; accused in other scandals.
- Brown Mogotsi: His name surfaces in past controversies; alleged connections to tenders and Matlala and others; political proximity. More concrete proof is necessary.
- Civil society, media, and watchdogs will demand full transparency of court documents, tender evaluations, and forensic audits.
- SIU’s ongoing work (in Tembisa and now likely extending to other health departments) is expected to escalate. The new R1 billion tender could be a test case: will authorities block, cancel, or let go through?
Pressure for blacklisting those found guilty of tender fraud, revoking fraudulent certifications, and prosecuting both the political players and the front‑men.
The “Mogotsi‑Maumela” connection may not yet be a completed, fully exposed web — but all the strands are there: shared modus operandi, overlapping proxies, fraudulent document use, asset accumulation, legal interference. What this R1 billion North West tender shows is that despite exposure, investigations, and public outrage, those involved feel emboldened enough to aim for more. And this time, South Africa’s health system—and its people—could be paying dearly.
