Eastern Cape R23m Lesseyton Stadium Scandal Deepens as Public Protector Refers Case to Hawks

• Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has referred the controversial Lesseyton sports field tender to the Hawks for a criminal investigation.
• The R23 million project in Komani was marred by irregularities and poor delivery, with key sports facilities never completed.
• Contractor Thalami Civils was awarded the tender despite not meeting requirements, and the top-scoring bidder was allegedly sidelined.

The Hawks have been called in to investigate alleged criminal conduct linked to the failed R23 million Lesseyton sports field project in the Eastern Cape, following damning findings by the Public Protector.

What did the Public Protector say?

During a media briefing on Wednesday, 19 June 2025, Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka released the findings of the investigations into the building of the Komani stadium.

It was revealed that the budget went over by an additional R5 million, and the report found several procurement irregularities. The contractor that was appointed failed to deliver.

The appointed contractor, Thalami Civils Pty Ltd, failed to provide an athletics track, a soccer and rugby field, netball, tennis and volleyball courts and grandstands as requested.

Enoch Mgijimi Municipality

The report revealed that the Enoch Mgijimi Municipality did not follow the required protocol to advertise the tender.

The municipality only advertised the tender on two public platforms instead of the required three, and the period was shortened to 14 days instead of the required 30 days.

It also came to light that Thalami Civils Pty Ltd was the fourth highest bidder and did not actually qualify for the tender. The highest bidder was rejected, and the municipality explained that the reason for the rejection was that it had already been awarded a tender.

What you need to know about tender fraud in SA

• Six suspects were arrested for R400 million tender-related fraud at both Eskom and Sasol. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation warned businesses against engaging in corruption.
• The NPA said more arrests are imminent in the R2.2 billion tender fraud deal involving a SANDF Brigadier-General. The accused, Eddy Modlane, and Phomolo Enterprises director Charles Mwali appeared before the court on 19 April 2024.
• The former mayor of the Cederberg municipality in the Western Cape, Benjamin Zass, has been found guilty of fraud. He contacted a service provider who received a R20,000 tender to supply uniforms to underprivileged students and told her the municipality would manage the tender.
• 15 people, including retired Lieutenant-General Johannes Mokwena, appeared before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court. They are accused of fraud, corruption, and theft involving PPE supply to police departments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has denied any involvement in a tender fraud case. Chiloane allegedly received money from Pule Mabe, following the conclusion of the awarding of a tender.

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni investigated for fraud

In another story, Briefly News reported that Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni might soon face the might of the law as the Hawks are reportedly investigating a criminal case opened against her in 2021.

She has been implicated in an alleged fraud and corruption case, which goes back to when she was a municipal manager in 2009.

Source: Briefly News