Crime in SA | Alleged contract kickback case postponed

High Court in Pretoria

PRETORIA – South Africans will have to wait until next Friday to get more details of the disputed R5-billion contract awarded by the Employment and Labour Department.

READ: SA’s corruption emergency | Nxesi’s case postponed

Minister Thulas Nxesi has approached the High Court in Pretoria to nullify the contract to Thuje Holdings but the matter, which was meant to be heard on Thursday, was not placed on the court roll due to outstanding documents.

The controversial R5-billion contract meant to create jobs for South Africans was awarded to businessman Mthunzi Mdwaba’s company by former director general Thobile Lamati.

But Minister Thulas Nxesi wants the court to set it aside.

Now due to delays, the matter will only be heard on 2 February.

Mndwaba stands by his repeated claims that Nxesi, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, and ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, demanded a bribe for the contract.

All those accused by Mdwaba, are denying the allegations, and have either filed complaints with the police or have taken legal action against him for defamation of character.