Civil rights organisation AfriForum has intensified calls for legal action against Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and former MEC Babalo Madikizela, urging the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to bring charges of corruption and money laundering against the pair. This comes amid ongoing scrutiny over the alleged misuse of public funds earmarked for the memorial service of struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
According to reports, the Hawks launched an investigation into a R3.3 million allocation initially meant for the memorial events in 2018. It is alleged that portions of this funding were siphoned off through fraudulent invoicing and ultimately benefited political figures and private businesses connected to government officials. A forensic report commissioned by the Public Protector in 2021 implicated Mabuyane and Madikizela, alleging that they improperly received funds linked to this memorial budget.
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, led by advocate Gerrie Nel, has taken a keen interest in the case. The organisation argues that despite significant evidence, the NPA has failed to act decisively, and justice is being delayed.
“We believe the evidence is compelling, and the silence from the NPA is unacceptable,” said Barry Bateman, spokesperson for AfriForum’s prosecution unit. “If the NPA continues to stall, we are fully prepared to pursue private prosecution to ensure accountability.”
Premier Mabuyane has consistently denied any wrongdoing, labelling the allegations as politically motivated and lacking substance.
He maintains that the payments made to a construction company, which later transferred funds to accounts linked to his home renovations, were part of a legitimate business arrangement unrelated to state funds.
Former MEC Madikizela has also distanced himself from the controversy, insisting that his involvement was minimal and that he had no control over the memorial budget allocations.
Despite these denials, AfriForum insists that the public deserves transparency and justice. The group contends that the case is a test of the NPA’s commitment to fighting corruption impartially, regardless of political affiliation.
As public pressure mounts, all eyes are on the NPA’s next move. Whether the prosecuting authority takes up the case or AfriForum proceeds with private prosecution, the developments could have far-reaching implications for political accountability in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.