Fresh controversy has surfaced around a municipal contract after investigators linked the wife of alleged tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to a company accused of operating as a shell entity.
Tsakane Matlala, the wife of alleged cartel figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, has been connected to a R3.7 million training tender issued by the City of Ekurhuleni.
According to an investigation by News24, the contract was awarded to Buena Vista Learning Academy, a company that was reportedly taken over by Matlala just 10 days before the tender approval.
Rapid Company Transformation Raises Concerns
Records indicate that the company previously operated as a grill restaurant before being swiftly rebranded into a training academy shortly before the contract was awarded.
Despite having a limited track record in skills development, the company secured a contract to provide training for approximately 1,500 municipal employees.
Details of the Tender Work
The contract reportedly included training programmes focused on:
- Grading and road maintenance operations
- Operation of heavy construction machinery
- Training involving TLB equipment used in infrastructure projects
The company’s rapid shift in operations and its ability to meet tender requirements have raised questions about compliance, experience verification, and procurement procedures.
Allegations of Shell Company Operations
Investigators claim that Buena Vista Learning Academy is now allegedly functioning as a shell company, linked to several municipal tenders despite limited operational capacity.
The tender has also placed senior officials within the City of Ekurhuleni under renewed scrutiny.
Municipal Leadership Under Pressure
The contract reportedly fell under the portfolio of former Human Resources head Linda Gxasheka, who was later dismissed following allegations that she protected suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi from disciplinary action linked to corruption allegations.
Mkhwanazi has been associated with alleged corruption within both the municipality and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department.
Claims of Political and Municipal Influence
News24 further reports that Ekurhuleni has frequently been described as a stronghold of influence for Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, with claims supported by evidence presented before both the Madlanga Commission and an Ad Hoc Committee investigating governance failures.
The investigation also links the Matlala family to a luxury lifestyle allegedly funded through tender-related earnings, including:
- Ownership of two high-end properties in Pretoria
- Use of luxury vehicles
- Frequent international travel
Investigations into the tender and related allegations remain ongoing.
