Ad Hoc Committee Hears Explosive Allegations of Bribery, Fronting, and a Deputy Minister's Son's Connection
Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations brought forth by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi this week was presented with startling, yet untested, claims of large sums of cash concealed in Woolworths bags, admissions of business fronting, and implications of drug dealing.
Central to the testimony was controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, who informed Members of Parliament (MPs) that in December 2024, he strategically appointed his sister, Claudette Masethe, as the sole director of Medicare24 Tshwane District. While Matlala stated that he formally resigned as a director at that time, he openly conceded that he remained the true owner of the company.
Under rigorous questioning from the committee, Matlala admitted the appointment of his sister was deliberately designed to create a "front," allowing him to maintain 100% shareholding despite his official resignation as a director in December 2024. This admission raises serious questions about potential violations of corporate governance and regulations.
The situation escalated further when MPs raised concerns that Matlala's testimony implicated his sister in a suspected money laundering scheme. Matlala detailed how he instructed Masethe to withdraw R300,000 in cash from a First National Bank (FNB) branch in Menlyn. He alleged that this cash was then handed over to former police minister Bheki Cele as a bribe, purportedly in exchange for Cele's rent-free stay at Matlala's apartment. This allegation, if proven true, would constitute a serious breach of ethics and potentially a criminal offense.
Bheki Cele, during his subsequent appearance before the same Ad Hoc Committee, confirmed that he had indeed stayed at Matlala’s residence. However, he vehemently denied ever receiving any money from the businessman. The context of these allegations is further complicated by the fact that Matlala's company had previously secured a R360 million health services contract from the South African Police Service (SAPS), a tender that was ultimately cancelled in April 2025.
Matlala further elaborated on the alleged bribery, stating that on two separate occasions, Masethe withdrew significant sums of cash – R300,000 and R200,000 respectively. According to his testimony, these amounts were concealed in Woolworths shopping bags and personally delivered to Cele in Pretoria and Durban.
Matlala also claimed that Cele had initially demanded a R1 million bribe, but he was only able to provide half of that amount. These claims paint a picture of alleged corruption at the highest levels, demanding thorough investigation and accountability.
The Grant Kekana Connection
Adding another layer of intrigue to the proceedings, a personal detail emerged concerning Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Grant Kekana. Matlala confirmed that his sister, Claudette Masethe, had been romantically involved with Kekana.
Social media posts, including pictures of Kekana and Masethe in Paris, as well as intimate photos from luxurious destinations both within South Africa and abroad, were referenced. Matlala informed MK Party MP Thulani Shongwe that the relationship between Masethe and Kekana had since ended, but he claimed to be unaware of the specific reasons for their separation.
Matlala also acknowledged that he was aware that Kekana is the son of Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Pinky Kekana. However, he explicitly stated that he had never met Deputy Minister Kekana, nor had he ever conducted any business dealings with her. This clarification attempts to distance Deputy Minister Kekana from the alleged improprieties.
Summary
The Ad Hoc Committee's hearings have unearthed a complex web of allegations involving bribery, business fronting, and connections to prominent figures in South Africa. The testimony of Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala has raised serious questions that demand further investigation to determine the veracity of the claims and to ensure accountability for any wrongdoing. The implications of these allegations could have far-reaching consequences for those involved.
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