eThekwini Municipality has responded to questions from ActionSA councillor Zwakele Mncwango over a multimillion-rand tender awarded to a company linked to Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama, who recently made headlines after a video emerged showing him threatening women at a Sandton restaurant.
The municipality confirmed that Moriel Infrastructure Group was awarded Contract WS-7792 for the construction of the North Park Sewer Reticulation, Tie-In and Associated Works Project.
The tender was awarded at a value of R16,105,433.75, including VAT. The municipality says the total approved project value is R19,326,520.50, including provisions for price escalation and contingencies.
According to the municipality, the project commenced in May 2025 and is scheduled for completion in November 2026.
The project is currently 95% complete.
The response comes after Mncwango asked the City Manager to provide details about the contract, including its value, progress, payments made, outstanding amounts and due-diligence checks conducted before the tender was awarded.
The municipality said all its contracts are administered and monitored in accordance with their contractual conditions and the Municipal Finance Management Act.
It also said criminal matters fall under the jurisdiction of law-enforcement agencies and the courts and that it would not prejudge any individual or ongoing legal process. Should any matter affect the service provider’s ability to fulfil its contractual obligations, the City said it would take the necessary action in accordance with the contract and applicable legislation.
Moriel Infrastructure Group has since severed ties with Mudzinganyama, who was a former director of the company.
