Nomvula Mokonyane daughter’s PPE tender set aside, ordered to repay millions

A controversial Covid-19 PPE tender linked to the daughter of ANC first deputy secretary Nomvula Mokonyane has been set aside, with the Special Tribunal ordering her and her business partner to pay back millions to the state.

The Tribunal ruled that contracts awarded to Katleho Mokonyane and her business partner, Bonelela Mgudlwa, through their company Tark Group were unlawful and constitutionally invalid, effectively wiping the deal off the books. Mgudlwa is radio personality Anele Mdoda’s husband. They celebrated their wedding in 2025.

Flawed procurement process

Judge David Makhoba found that the procurement process followed by the Mpumalanga Department of Health was riddled with irregularities and did not comply with public finance laws.

“The contracts, valued at R1,080,000.00 for 60,000 surgical masks and R13,297,500.00 for 150,000 protective medical jumpsuits, were declared constitutionally invalid, unlawful, and void,” said Special Investigating Unit (SIU) spokesperson Selby Makgotho on Thursday.

The SIU, which brought the case, said its probe uncovered systemic failures in how the contracts were awarded during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The SIU investigations revealed that Tark Group (Pty) Ltd benefited unlawfully from contracts worth over R14-million,” Makgotho said.

‘Pay back the money’

The Tribunal went further, ordering Katleho and Mgudlwa to personally repay profits earned from the deals, applying the principle of disgorgement.

“The Tribunal also held the co-owners personally liable for unlawful gains,” Makgotho added.

In a damning account of the procurement process, the SIU said the department bypassed critical safeguards meant to ensure fairness and transparency.

“The SIU’s investigations revealed systemic violations of procurement laws, including bypassing bid committees, deviations from transversal contracts, and the appointment of a supplier lacking accreditation and the requisite SAHPRA licence,” Makgotho said.

SAHPRA is the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, the body responsible for ensuring that medical products and suppliers meet safety, quality and licensing standards.

Potential conflict of interest ‘concealed’

The Tribunal also noted the SIU’s argument that certain relationships were not disclosed, including Katleho’s link to her mother, Nomvula, who has served as a cabinet minister in several portfolios, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest.

The Tribunal also turned its focus to the conduct of the Mpumalanga Department of Health itself, finding that its actions were central to the irregularities.

“The department issued premature promissory letters of award, bypassed mandatory bid evaluation and adjudication committees, and accepted non-compliant bids,” Makgotho said.

Despite this, the department did not oppose the SIU application and instead chose to abide by the Tribunal’s ruling.

Ruling sends out warning

The SIU said the judgment marks a significant step in recovering public funds lost during the pandemic.

“This judgment is a critical outcome of the SIU’s relentless efforts to recover public funds lost during the COVID-19 national state of disaster,” Makgotho said.

He added that the ruling sends a strong warning to companies doing business with the state.

“It sends a clear message that suppliers who fail to meet essential legal requirements have no entitlement to profit from the state,” he said.

The SIU further indicated that it would continue using its legal powers to pursue accountability.

“The SIU will use its litigation powers to the fullest to ensure such funds are returned,” Makgotho said.

The unit is acting under a presidential proclamation issued by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which authorised investigations into Covid-19 PPE procurement across state institutions.

Katleho and Mgudlwa are expected to challenge the ruling in court, setting the stage for a fresh legal battle over whether the state can both benefit from delivered goods and still recover the money.

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