Businessman Bonelala Mgudlwa has pushed back against a recent ruling by the Special Tribunal, rejecting its findings and announcing plans to challenge the decision in the High Court. In a statement, he also sought to distance his wife, media personality Anele Mdoda, from the matter amid growing public speculation. “Firstly, I categorically state that Anele has no connection whatsoever to the events under scrutiny,” Mgudlwa said.
“The matters in question relate to my business activities in 2020, whereas my relationship with Anele only commenced in mid-2024 and culminated in our marriage in 2025.” The case stems from two COVID‑19 personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts awarded by the Mpumalanga Department of Health, which the Special Tribunal has declared unlawful, invalid, and void. The contracts, valued at more than R14 million, involved the supply of 60 000 surgical masks and 150 000 protective jumpsuits during the height of the pandemic. Investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) uncovered serious procurement irregularities, including bypassing bid evaluation committees, sole-sourcing without competition, deviations from required transversal contracts, and the appointment of a supplier without a valid SAHPRA licence.
The Tribunal found that the contracts were irregularly awarded and benefited Tark Group (Pty) Ltd, co‑owned by Bonelala Mgudlwa and Katleho O’Hara Mokonyane, daughter of ANC First Deputy Secretary‑General Nomvula Mokonyane, and ordered the pair to repay the profits earned. Mpumalanga health officials were also criticised for issuing awards before proper processes were concluded. Despite the ruling, Mgudlwa insists his company acted within the law.
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