THE MATLALA INVESTIGATION: Inside the Alleged R3.7-Million “10-Day” Ekurhuleni Tender
Tsakane Matlala investigation Ekurhuleni. Image Source: IOL
The scrutiny surrounding South Africa’s procurement landscape has intensified following reports of an investigation into the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. At the heart of the probe is Tsakane Matlala, wife of the incarcerated businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala.
Investigators are reportedly examining how a company purportedly under Tsakane’s control for a mere 10 days managed to secure a municipal contract valued at R3.7 million.
The “Shelf Company” Probe: A Potential Legal Minefield
Forensic investigators are allegedly treating this contract as a “red flag” for potential fronting and pre-arranged bidding. The entity used for the bid was reportedly a dormant shelf company—a pre-registered but inactive business—before Tsakane was officially installed as its director.
Should the investigation prove that the company was acquired specifically to bypass standard vetting, Tsakane could face significant legal consequences. The probe focuses on two primary areas:
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Alleged Track Record Circumvention: The claim that the company was used to create an illusion of business longevity, despite the new leadership having no historical performance record.
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Vetting Irregularities: Questions regarding whether the Ekurhuleni Supply Chain Management (SCM) failed to properly audit the sudden change in directorship before clearing the multi-million rand payout.
A Crumbling Empire: The Matlala Legal Crisis
While Tsakane remains at the center of this procurement inquiry, her husband’s legal situation remains critical. As of February 2026, the Matlala family faces a series of unproven but serious allegations:
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Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala in Custody: “Cat” Matlala remains behind bars after being denied bail. Late last year, he was reportedly moved to the Ebongweni Supermax Prison in Kokstad, with his legal team still attempting to have him transferred back to Gauteng for trial.
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Attempted Murder Allegations: Both Tsakane and “Cat” are facing charges related to an alleged 2023 hit on a former business associate, Tebogo Thobejane.
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Allegations of Institutional Capture: Testimony at the Madlanga Commission has suggested that the family purportedly leveraged relationships with high-ranking officials to secure “off-database” contracts through unauthorized Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).
The Stakes for Ekurhuleni
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has frequently identified “quick-flip” company takeovers as a primary method for the alleged siphoning of public funds. If these allegations are substantiated, it would mark yet another instance where service delivery funds were reportedly diverted from community needs into private hands.
FAQ: The Matlala Investigation
Who is Tsakane Matlala? The wife of Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, currently under investigation for her alleged involvement in suspicious municipal tenders.
What is the current status of “Cat” Matlala? He remains in custody at Ebongweni Supermax Prison, having been denied bail due to being a perceived flight risk.
What makes a “10-day” directorship suspicious? In a forensic audit, it suggests a company may have been acquired specifically to secure a pre-arranged contract, potentially bypassing legal requirements for a proven business history.
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