‘Those who disrespect the law come to South Africa,’ says Ramathuba on viral Mudzinganyama controversy - IOL

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has criticised government officials for allegedly allowing foreign nationals to exploit weaknesses in the state.

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has criticised government officials for allegedly allowing foreign nationals to exploit weaknesses in the state, saying South Africa has become a destination for those who disrespect or seek to undermine the law.

Ramathuba made the remarks recently at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane while speaking at the handover of new law enforcement vehicles to traffic officers.

Her comments came amid controversy surrounding Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama, whose threats against women at a Sandton restaurant led to his arrest and increased scrutiny of his business dealings.

Speaking about the incident, Ramathuba linked Mudzinganyama's behaviour to alcohol consumption and questioned how he had secured government tenders.

"Stop drinking today, and when you want to drive, you can't get into a car when you're drunk. When you're drunk, your brain is affected. You must go and ask a neurosurgeon; they will tell you alcohol affects your brain. You stop reasoning, you stop thinking.

"That's why you saw that man [Mudzinganyama] arrive there [at the restaurant], find ladies seated and start telling us that he has millions, he is wealthy, [while the women] are poor. Only to find out that he is busy with our country's tenders."

Ramathuba said authorities should continue following the matter and ensure that the allegations are properly investigated.

She also criticised what she described as weaknesses in South Africa's immigration and law enforcement systems.

"Almost everybody who wants to disrespect [the law] comes to South Africa. Everybody who doesn't want to respect the law, you come to South Africa ... you know why? Because of us, government officials. We have weakened our government and are [being] underestimated by people from other countries, and in their countries they will never do that.

"He came here to South Africa to tell us about poverty. Where he comes from, what kind of poverty did he leave behind there? He must start by solving his country's poverty first."

Ramathuba also blamed corrupt police officials for allowing undocumented foreign nationals to enter the country. She said taking bribes to let undocumented people across the border amounted to selling citizenship and selling the country. 

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) has confirmed that it has two contracts with Moriel Infrastructure Group, chaired by Mudzinganyama.

The projects are located on the N1 and N2 national roads.

In a statement, SANRAL said it had noted with concern and condemned a video circulating on social media in which Mudzinganyama, the founder and executive chairman of Moriel Infrastructure Group, is seen threatening women at a Johannesburg restaurant.

SANRAL confirmed the existence of two contracts between the agency and Moriel Infrastructure Group for projects on the N1 and N2.

"At a time when our country faces widespread gender-based violence which has resulted in the loss of thousands of women and girls, no South African can allow women to be threatened and insulted with impunity," said SANRAL acting chief executive Lehlohonolo Memeza.

At the request of Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, SANRAL is investigating whether Moriel Infrastructure Group was lawfully appointed by the roads agency and whether it is fulfilling its contractual obligations.

"The investigation into the matter has started," Memeza said.

SANRAL said it was consulting its lawyers on possible action against Moriel Infrastructure Group for bringing the agency's reputation into disrepute.

The roads agency is also reviewing its policies and pro forma tender documents to consider including a clause that would exclude companies whose directors or senior managers are implicated in gender-based violence.

SANRAL also called on public and private entities in the construction sector to explore ways of preventing companies whose directors or senior managers are implicated in gender-based violence from securing contracts.

In the wake of the incident, the construction company issued a statement announcing Mudzinganyama's immediate removal, declaring that he would no longer represent, speak for, or act on behalf of the group in any capacity. The board said his abusive behaviour was entirely "inconsistent with the organisation's values," and it unequivocally condemned violence, threats, and intimidation against women.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has also raised concerns about allegations surrounding Moriel Infrastructure Group, amid a separate investigation into the company's links to Mudzinganyama.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has directed the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to immediately investigate allegations that Moriel Infrastructure Group obtained multiple CIDB gradings on the same day.

Macpherson said further allegations suggested that the company may not have met the requirements for the gradings, which were allegedly later used to secure contracts from various spheres of government.

He instructed the CIDB to investigate the circumstances surrounding the gradings and report back to him as soon as possible.

The company came under scrutiny following a viral video showing Mudzinganyama at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate.

In the footage, he is heard allegedly making threats against women, including saying, "I'll murder you now and walk" and "I'll put a bullet in all of you."

He is also heard claiming to be wealthy and saying he could buy the restaurant.

The incident reportedly took place inside the restaurant's ladies' bathroom.

Vlamo has since distanced itself from Mudzinganyama, saying he was not affiliated with, employed by or associated with the restaurant.

The establishment said he was removed from the premises once management became aware of the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its guests and staff.

Vlamo also confirmed that a case had been opened with the police.

Police have since confirmed that Mudzinganyama handed himself over at the Randburg police station.

He was arrested, charged with intimidation and released on a warning.

He will appear in court on October 1.