Zimbabwean-Born Businessman’s Co Got R62.2 Million , Was Set To Pocket R205.5m – Now South Africa Parliament Wants Audit
Moriel Infrastructure Group, the company linked to Zimbabwean-born businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama (40), received R62.2 million (US$3.79m) from the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and stood to benefit R205.5m (US$12.52m) had the contracts not been cancelled by the South African government.
The revelation has triggered fresh scrutiny of SANRAL’s procurement system after Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport demanded a performance audit.
SANRAL confirmed that Moriel was awarded three major contracts with a combined value of R204.5m (US$12.45m).
The biggest contract, valued at R107m (US$6.52m), was for resurfacing the N1 between Nelspoort and Three Sisters in the Northern Cape. SANRAL terminated it in September 2025, saying Moriel breached contract after failing to meet requirements before work could begin on site.
The second contract, worth R71.5m (US$4.35m), was for training and construction management for small contractors and communities on the N2 between Mount Frere and Ntabankulu. It remains active. SANRAL has already paid R37.4m (US$2.28m) on this contract. The agency says the work completed is of good quality, but admits there were performance issues that were addressed through the contract. A formal notice to correct shortcomings was issued on 28 April 2026, followed by further correspondence on 16 September over slow progress. SANRAL now intends to begin termination proceedings.
The third contract, worth R26m (US$1.58m), involved road markings across the Western Cape national road network. It was completed in October 2025, with SANRAL paying R23.8m (US$1.45m). The one-year defects checking period ended on 16 October 2026.
In total, SANRAL has paid between R61.2m and R62.2m (US$3.73m to US$3.79m) for the two contracts where work was done.
The audit call follows the removal of Moriel from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) register. Moriel was among 13 construction companies removed on 27 October after findings of misrepresentation in applications for higher contractor registration grades. The removals were announced by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson.
Committee chairperson Donald Selamolela said the findings raised serious concerns about accountability.
“We agree with the Minister that misrepresentation and non-performance of contractors in the built environment has to be stamped out. SANRAL must investigate if it got value for the monies it paid to this gentleman,” he said.
“This finding as it related to the Moriel Group frustrates and works against stated government objectives of ramping up on infrastructure in order to create jobs and economic growth.”
SANRAL General Manager for Marketing and Communications Vusi Mona confirmed the agency will carry out the audit as instructed by Parliament.
“SANRAL will further undertake the performance audit as instructed by Parliament and if there are non-complacencies, contractual provisions will be applied,” Mona said.
“Findings by another organ of state – particularly because they go to the nub of eligibility to do business with SANRAL – will certainly influence the roads entity’s own investigation and outcome.”
Moriel had previously been headed by Mudzinganyama. He was arrested in September after allegedly threatening three women at a Sandton restaurant. He appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 1 October and was granted R15,000 (US$913) bail on charges including intimidation, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, crimen injuria and fraud.
The company announced in September that it had removed him as executive chairman and director.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has since instructed SANRAL’s board to investigate the company’s appointment and compliance with its contracts.
Meanwhile Mudzinganyama is set to appear in court today for the assault case at a Sandton restaurant.