Political parties and advocacy groups are demanding immediate disciplinary and criminal action following the release of a classified 103-page forensic report detailing tender manipulation, unlawful approvals, and wasted millions within the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA). The internal investigation, completed and handed to the provincial government and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in May last year, examined projects totaling approximately R380 million linked to the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Heritage Site.
Forensic Findings at Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Heritage Site
According to the 103-page forensic report seen by The Citizen, investigators uncovered severe procurement irregularities during the renovation of the world heritage site. The manipulated tenders identified in the report include the upgrading of the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains Geotrail, the compilation of an integrated management plan, the development of a visitor information centre, and the installation of directional signage. Additional coverage from the Democratic Alliance (DA) notes that the report points to former MTPA chief executive officer Mduduzi Vilakazi for the irregular appointment of service providers and non-compliance with regulations.
Despite the findings being submitted to provincial authorities more than a year ago, no disciplinary measures have been taken against the implicated officials. Acting MTPA CEO Lemmy Mdluli and board chair Fish Mahlalela acknowledged to the provincial portfolio committee on economic development and tourism last week that no disciplinary steps have been implemented thus far, according to a report by DA member of the legislature Trudie Grove-Morgan.
Did You Know? The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains site is an inscribed World Heritage Site whose planned upgrades included a visitor information centre, geotrail enhancements, directional signage, and an integrated management plan.
Political Backlash and Calls for Accountability
Opposition figures have sharply criticized the provincial government’s failure to act on the forensic findings. Themba Godi, leader of the African People’s Convention (APC) and former chair of the parliamentary standing committee on public accounts, described the inaction as shocking, noting it followed a weekend presidential manifesto launch emphasizing the fight against graft. Godi stated that the APC has no faith in Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu to address corruption.
“There is too much talk and no action. The ANC is incapable of doing what is right,” Godi said, questioning where the diverted funds ultimately went. Trudie Grove-Morgan of the Democratic Alliance similarly called on Premier Ndlovu to explain the delays and ensure both disciplinary and criminal processes proceed without further delay, emphasizing that public funds cannot be lost without consequence.
Demands From Civil Society
Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), stressed that administrative delays undermine the integrity of public spending. “If a forensic investigation commissioned by a public entity has identified serious procurement irregularities, possible financial misconduct and recommended disciplinary or criminal action, it is unacceptable for those recommendations to simply gather dust,” Duvenage said. He added that South Africa suffers from a shortage of consequence management rather than a shortage of forensic reports.
Both the Mpumalanga provincial government and the MTPA have declined to comment on the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total value of the tender projects investigated in the forensic report?
The forensic report examines projects totaling approximately R380 million linked to the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Heritage Site.
When was the forensic report handed over to authorities?
The classified 103-page forensic investigation report was handed to the provincial government and the Hawks in May of last year, according to verified sources.
Have any officials faced disciplinary action or criminal charges as a result of the report?
No disciplinary measures have been taken against the implicated officials yet, as confirmed by MTPA leadership during a portfolio committee briefing.
How should provincial authorities balance administrative transparency with ongoing law enforcement investigations into public sector corruption?
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