Polokwane Mayor Denies R56 Million Tender Scandal Allegedly Linked to Zimbabwean Partner of Municipal Manager
Polokwane Mayor Denies R56 Million Tender Scandal Allegedly Linked to Zimbabwean Partner of Municipal Manager – POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA – Polokwane Executive Mayor John Mpe has publicly dismissed allegations surrounding a R56 million tender reportedly awarded to a company allegedly linked to the Zimbabwean partner of municipal manager Thuso Nemugumoni.
Addressing members of the media during a press conference held at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Thursday, Mayor Mpe strongly denied any wrongdoing in the awarding of municipal contracts.
He described the claims as “baseless, malicious, and politically motivated.”
“We have noted with concern, contempt, and disappointment the continued circulation of unfounded and misleading allegations. These claims attempt to falsely implicate me and the city manager, Ms. Thuso Nemugumoni, in a purported R56 million tender irregularity,” said Mpe.
The controversy follows widespread social media reports alleging that Nemugumoni and Mayor Mpe facilitated the awarding of the lucrative tender to a company associated with Nemugumoni’s Zimbabwean partner.
However, Mpe clarified that the companies mentioned in the allegations—Capotex Trading and Zerbacraft (Pty) Ltd—have maintained ongoing business relationships with the Polokwane Municipality since as early as 2017, well before the current administration assumed office.
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“Many of the companies cited in recent allegations were awarded contracts through lawful, competitive bidding processes prior to my appointment and that of the city manager,” he said.
He further stated that the municipality currently works with over 100 different companies across various sectors, and questioned the selective scrutiny placed on only a few service providers.
Mayor Mpe also emphasized that awarding tenders to foreign-owned companies is legally permissible, provided the processes are transparent and in line with procurement laws.
“There is absolutely nothing unlawful about awarding tenders to foreign-owned entities as long as procedures are followed. These attacks are clearly part of a politically orchestrated smear campaign aimed at discrediting our leadership,” he added.
Mpe concluded by reiterating the municipality’s commitment to ethical governance and called on the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that seeks to undermine public trust.
