Mbombela: A classified forensic report alleging a R380 million ghost tender linked to upgrades at the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain World Heritage Site remains unacted upon more than a year after it was handed to the provincial government and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga says.
Report alleges manipulated tenders, unlawful approvals
The 103‑page investigation, conducted within the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and submitted in May 2025, reportedly details what the DA describes as “concerning and damning” instances of manipulated tenders, unlawful approvals and millions wasted in relation to planned upgrades and renovations at the Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site in Barberton.
Projects listed in the report include the construction of a visitor information centre, upgrades to the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains geotrail and the compilation of an Integrated Management Plan (IMP). According to the summary provided by the DA, there is little visible development on site corresponding to the alleged R380 million in work.
Officials implicated, disciplinary steps not taken
The DA says the report recommended the Mpumalanga Government and the MTPA board consider reporting former MTPA chief executive officer Mduduzi Vilakazi and other senior officials to the police for their alleged involvement. In his role as CEO, Vilakazi is accused in the report of irregular appointments of service providers and non‑compliance with regulations during implementation of several projects.
Despite those recommendations, the party says the MTPA has not taken disciplinary measures against the officials found to have contravened policies and procedures. The provincial Portfolio Committee on Economic Development has reportedly ordered MTPA to take disciplinary action against the official responsible for implementing the investigation's findings.
“MTPA has not taken disciplinary measures against officials found to have contravened policies and procedures in the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain investigation report.”
Silence from the Premier’s office and HAWKS
The DA further reports that the Premier’s office and the HAWKS have been silent on the report. The forensic document was submitted to both the provincial government and the HAWKS in May 2025, yet the DA says there has been no meaningful action or visible progress on inquiries or prosecutions connected to the alleged R380 million irregularity.
Local tourism and accountability at stake
The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains site, inscribed as a World Heritage Site, is a significant asset for Mpumalanga’s tourism offering. Any confirmed misuse of funds earmarked for visitor infrastructure and conservation would affect both heritage protection and the local communities that depend on tourism income.
Accountability in publicly funded tourism projects also matters for investor confidence and for smaller businesses that supply goods and services to site upgrades. Delays in implementing recommended actions from an internal forensic report create uncertainty about governance standards inside provincial agencies tasked with managing natural and cultural assets.
What the public needs to know
- The forensic investigation was completed within MTPA and submitted in May 2025.
- The document runs to 103 pages and alleges manipulated tenders, unlawful approvals and waste linked to projects totalling about R380 million.
- The Portfolio Committee on Economic Development has ordered MTPA to take disciplinary action; the DA says this has not yet happened.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Report length | 103 pages |
| Alleged amount | R380 million |
| Date submitted | May 2025 |
| Key projects cited | Visitor information centre, geotrail upgrade, Integrated Management Plan |
Next steps and oversight
Provincial oversight bodies and law‑enforcement authorities are central to resolving the matter. The DA is urging Premier Mandla Ndlovu and the provincial government to act on the forensic findings and ensure those responsible face the prescribed consequences. The party also wants the matter referred to the police where appropriate.
At present, there has been no public confirmation from the Premier’s office or the HAWKS that they are pursuing criminal enquiries arising from the internal probe. The MTPA has not publicly announced disciplinary measures against named officials.
For residents and businesses in Barberton and surrounding areas, transparent handling of the allegations will be crucial to restore confidence that tourism funds are spent on conservation and community benefit rather than being lost to irregular practices.
Reporting on this story will continue as the provincial legislature, MTPA, the Premier’s office and the HAWKS respond to requests for comment and outline any further action.
Nomsa Mahlangu, Mpumalanga Correspondent (Mbombela)
