Bonelela Mgudlwa and his wife Anele Mdoda. (Photo: Facebook)
The businessman and lawyer Bonelela Mgudlwa has denied that he did anything wrong regarding two covid-19 tenders of more than R14 million.
The Special Tribunal has labeled the two tenders awarded by the Department of Health in Mpumalanga as “constitutionally invalid, illegal and void”. Mgudlwa and Katleho O’Hara Mokonyane, daughter of former minister Nomvula Mokonyane, were held personally liable by the tribunal for illegal profits and their repayment.
Mgudlwa is married to renowned radio announcer Anele Mdoda. According to a statement from Mgudlwa, his wife has nothing to do with the decision as it relates to his activities in 2020 while his relationship with Mdoda only started in 2024 and they got married in 2025.
“Any suggestion of her involvement is factually incorrect, malicious, reckless and unfair, and must be summarily rejected. Anele is a competent professional in her own right and does not deserve to be implicated in this matter.”
According to the tribunal’s verdict, the provincial department awarded two tenders in 2020 – just over R1 million for 60 000 surgical masks and around R13.3 million for 150 000 protective medical overalls.
Investigations by the Special Investigation Unit (SUE) revealed that the Tark Group, formerly Tuwo Rhodesia, illegally benefited from the contracts of more than R14 million. Mokonyane and Mgudlwa are co-owners of the group.
The SOE’s investigations revealed systemic violations of procurement laws, including the circumvention of bid committees and the appointment of a supplier without accreditation and the required Sahpra license.
The Special Tribunal also delivered a judgment against the concerned officials of the department. The tribunal confirmed that the department issued premature award letters, bypassed mandatory bid evaluation and assessment committees, and accepted non-compliant tenders.
However, Mgudlwa argues the products met all required specifications, were accepted and used, and there is no evidence of any financial loss to the state.
“Although I respect the judicial process, I fundamentally disagree with the findings of the tribunal. I have instructed my legal representatives to proceed with an appeal and/or review before the High Court, where all relevant issues will be fully disclosed.”
“From the education I received in my family and the values instilled in me, I remain anchored in integrity, accountability and faith. It is through that foundation that I trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and am confident that truth, justice and restoration will ultimately prevail.”