By: Saneliso Mlambo
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a key figure in the Tembisa Hospital tender scandal, resigned as a director for six months amid increasing scrutiny over his business dealings.
Matlala, often referred to as a “tender tycoon,” has been linked to several controversial contracts at Tembisa Hospital, including those flagged by whistleblower Babita Deokaran before her tragic murder.
Matlala’s companies, such as Black AK Trading and Suppliers, were implicated in a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into nearly R3 billion in irregular contracts at Tembisa Hospital. These contracts have sparked significant public concern, especially following the investigation into potential corruption within the hospital.
In addition to the hospital contract controversy, Matlala has faced criticism over the unauthorized use of blue-light vehicles for personal errands, which was highlighted through social media posts by his partner, Cordelia Kabeng.
Matlala’s company also landed a R360 million health services contract with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in June 2024, despite his ongoing legal issues.
The situation escalated with police raids on Matlala’s residence and office, reportedly connected to a kidnapping investigation. Luxury items, including a R200,000 Rolex watch, were seized during these raids, although Matlala’s attempt to recover the watch was denied by the court.
As the investigation continues, Matlala’s business dealings remain under intense public scrutiny. The scandal has raised concerns about government contracts and the transparency of the tendering process in South Africa.
Matlala’s resignation and the ongoing legal proceedings have kept the story in the public eye, with many calling for more accountability and transparency.