Ekurhuleni tender, WhatsApp chats and a R3.5m London trip: Madlanga Commission unpacks the Msibi-Mashazi-Nxumalo trail

The Madlanga Commission's investigation has uncovered a web of WhatsApp communications, an Ekurhuleni municipal tender involving a questionable R3.5 million London trip, and the involvement of late taxi manager Jothan "King Mswabi" Msibi, businessman Ze Nxumalo, and former city manager Imogen Mashazi.

Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC presented WhatsApp messages extracted from Msibi's phone, revealing a relationship between Msibi, Nxumalo, and Mashazi concerning the tender. One message showed Nxumalo forwarding an advertisement for a project management unit tender to Msibi, who allegedly wanted the bid for Camp Rock. Chaskalson stated that the tender was awarded to Camp Rock Pty Ltd, the company allegedly nominated by Msibi.

Another message captured a brief conversation between Msibi and Mashazi. After a call, Mashazi wrote, "thanks baba," to which Msibi replied, "okay sisi." Nxumalo has contested the authenticity of these messages in an affidavit submitted to the commission.

The Madlanga Commission is also examining the expensive London trip taken by Mashazi in July 2022. The trip, costing around R3.5 million, was privately chartered by Nxumalo's company, ZIG Revenue Management. While the city manager did not declare the trip, evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim SC questioned the extraordinary cost and suggested it raised concerns about an expectation of influence, protection, or access.