The Democratic Alliance (DA) has vowed to become the public’s watchdog, pledging to track every single referral from the explosive Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report into the R2-billion Tembisa Hospital scandal. This includes 116 disciplinary actions and four criminal cases now before the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The SIU’s interim findings have exposed three sophisticated syndicates that systematically plundered the hospital’s coffers through fraudulent contracts. But at the heart of the scandal lies a revelation that strikes at the very top of South African power: the largest of these syndicates is allegedly tied to Hangwani Morgan Maumela, who is President Cyril Ramaphosa’s nephew by a previous marriage. This syndicate alone secured a staggering R816 million in contracts.
DA Gauteng Health Spokesperson Jack Bloom expressed profound alarm, stating the party is “most concerned” about this high-level connection. The web of alleged corruption extends even further, with Bloom pointing out that three companies awarded contracts totalling R13.5 million are linked to Vusimusa ‘Cat’ Matlala—a figure currently on trial for allegedly orchestrating a hit on his ex-girlfriend and is also under scrutiny by the Madlanga Commission for corruption within the South African Police Service.
In a small sign of justice at work, Bloom noted that it is “gratifying that the Asset Forfeiture Unit has identified assets worth R520 million belonging to Mr Maumela.” The seized assets paint a picture of obscene wealth allegedly derived from public funds, including six properties and a fleet of luxury vehicles—among them, four Lamborghinis. This stands in stark contrast to the ailing public health system the money was meant to support.
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