Former ANC spokesperson and current national executive committee (NEC) member Pule Mabe has declared his intention to plead not guilty to charges of over R27 million in tender fraud. Mabe, along with six co-accused, is facing a total of 16 counts of fraud, money laundering, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act related to a contract in March 2017. The contract was for the supply of 200 waste-management, three-wheel vehicles to the Gauteng agriculture and rural development department to support small and medium businesses in the sector.
The vehicles, known as kariki carts, were at the center of the controversy, first revealed by the Mail & Guardian in June 2018. In a hearing at the Johannesburg specialized commercial crimes court, Mabe acknowledged that the charges against him could trigger the ANC’s step-aside resolution, which requires members to relinquish positions upon formal criminal charges.
Mabe cited financial constraints, claiming a monthly income of R25,000 from a small business where he serves as a director. He emphasized his innocence, dismissing the charges as baseless and asserting his intention to plead not guilty if the case proceeds to trial. Former sports minister Zizi Kodwa and ex-speaker of the National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula resigned earlier this year following criminal charges of fraud and corruption.
The contentious tender in March 2017 was awarded to KGP Media Holdings, operating as Enviro Mobi at the time, with Mabe’s wife, Mmatlhekelo Mabe, serving as director. Other accused individuals include Loyiso Mkwana, Thandeka Mbassa, Matilda Gasela, Abdullah Ismail, and Tinyiko Mahuntsi. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) alleges that the provincial department made prepayments totaling approximately R27.5 million to Enviro Mobi for work not completed as per the contract terms.
The NPA’s charge sheet highlights discrepancies in supporting documentation for the payments made and the lack of disclosure of political affiliations by the bidding company. Mabe and his co-accused maintain their innocence, with Mabe pointing out that the vehicles were delivered and publicly launched by former premier David Makhura. His wife also defended herself, attributing the charges to her marital relationship.
All accused individuals were granted bail of R30,000 each and are scheduled to appear in court in March next year to address the charges against them. The case has stirred controversy within the ANC and raised questions about accountability and transparency in government tenders.
