Former ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe says he is supporting a “stronger and united ANC” in the party’s much-anticipated 2027 national elective conference.
Mabe he was speaking on Wednesday after his appearance at the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, where he is facing charges of fraud and theft.
Joining Mabe (45) in the dock were his wife, Mmatlhekelo Elsie Mabe (46), Loyiso Mkwana (51), Thandeka Mbassa (59), Matilda Gasela (65), Abdullah Mohamed Ismail (50) and Mabe’s business associate, Tinyiko Mahuntsi (46).
All the accused are currently out on R30 000 bail each.
Mabe, his wife and the other five co-accused are facing charges of fraud, theft, and violations of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act and the Public Finance Management Act in connection with an R27-million tender that was allegedly illegally awarded to Mabe’s business in 2017.
The businesses of Mabe, KGP Media Holdings, which was formerly known as Enviro Mobi and later as Groen Mintirho (accused eight), and Star Mass Direct, which was formerly known as Kariki Media Holdings (accused nine), are also accused in this case.
Enviro Mobi allegedly received a 2017 tender illegally, which led to the charges.
Mabe backs united ANC
While speaking to the media after his court appearance, Mabe was asked who he is rooting for to become the ANC’s next president at its 2027 national elective conference.
“I am rooting for the ANC. I am rooting for a stronger, united ANC that will come back with a package of solutions that can improve South Africa. There are young stars rising in the ANC. They are beginning to occupy leadership positions,” he said.
“We hope they maintain their discipline and adhere to the principles outlined in the Freedom Charter.”
He said his wife and children have been his support structure since the start of the case.
“My wife and children serve as my pillars of strength.” The church and the Bible are strong friends of mine. I have found a strong friend in the word of God.
“In the reading of the scriptures sit many friends … This case has given us freedom of the soul. There is no stress; we are fine,” said Mabe.
Case postponed to February 18
Earlier during court proceedings, the case against Mabe and his co-accused was postponed to February 18 to allow for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to consider the representations made by the accused.
Mabe, Mmatlhekelo, and the other accused made representations to the NPA for the charges to be withdrawn.
Meanwhile, Mabe said he has launched an application in the Johannesburg High Court to set aside a proclamation made by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in relation to his fraud case.
He said he has also made an application to set aside the SIU’s forensic report in relation to his fraud case.
In March 2017, the Gauteng agriculture and rural development department awarded a contract to Mabe’s company, Enviro Mobi, to supply 200 tuk-tuks, according to the accusations made against him and his co-accused.
The purpose of these three-wheeled motorised waste-collection vehicles was to assist 58 waste pickers in Ekurhuleni.
Investigations revealed that Mabe’s company received an improper payment of R27 231 750 “without any rendered service”.
Investigation by SIU and Hawks
NPA regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the charges are based on an investigation by the SIU and the Hawks into a tender worth over R27-million that was allegedly given unlawfully to Enviro Mobi in March 2017.
It was to supply 200 tuk-tuks and over R6-million of storage costs.
Mjonondwane said on February 10, 2017, the department advertised a waste management tender.
The tender invited proposals for the integration and formalisation of the Gauteng waste SMMEs into the mainstream of waste management.
She said the department received submissions from 10 companies, including Enviro Mobi. Mabe was a director of Enviro Mobi between September 2010 and August 2014.
