The Madlanga Commission has heard damning evidence that Tsakane Matlala, wife of alleged crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, defrauded the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality of more than R3.7 million through a controversial skills development tender.
Appearing before the commission, evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson revealed that Buena Vista Learning Academy secured a 2023 municipal contract despite not being a registered or accredited training provider at the time of bidding.
In July 2023, the municipality invited proposals from accredited institutions to deliver professional qualification programmes. The tender, initially valued at R66,500, was awarded to Buena Vista Learning Academy. However, documentary evidence presented to the commission showed that shortly before submitting its bid, the company had operated as Mokoko Grill, a local shisanyama business.
Company records indicated that its sole director was Tsakane Baloyi, now known as Tsakane Matlala. Payments made to the company between 23 July 2024 and 5 September 2025 amounted to approximately R3,484,987—far exceeding the original contract value.
The commission questioned how such substantial payments were processed despite apparent non-compliance with procurement and accreditation requirements. Oversight failures within the municipality’s specification, evaluation, and adjudication committees were placed under scrutiny.
Suspended Head of Human Resources Linda Gxasheka testified that she was not directly involved in the bid adjudication process but acknowledged concerns raised during proceedings.
The inquiry continues to examine the internal controls and approval mechanisms that enabled the payments, as it seeks to determine accountability for what appears to be a significant breach of municipal procurement regulations.
