Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s wife linked to R3.7m Ekurhuleni tender awarded to newly taken-over shell company

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and wife Tsakane

Tsakane Matlala, the wife of alleged cartel figure and tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, has been linked to a controversial R3.7 million municipal training contract awarded by the City of Ekurhuleni.

According to an investigation by News24, the tender was awarded to Buena Vista Learning Academy, a company that Matlala reportedly took control of just 10 days before the contract was approved.

Records show that the entity had previously operated as a grill restaurant before being hastily rebranded into a training academy shortly ahead of the bid.

Despite its limited track record, the company secured a contract to provide skills development training for approximately 1,500 municipal employees.

The scope of work reportedly included training related to grading operations and the use of heavy machinery such as TLBs for road construction projects.

The rapid transformation of the business and its sudden qualification for a high-value municipal contract have raised questions about how it was able to meet the experience and compliance requirements typically expected for such tenders.

Investigators allege that Buena Vista Learning Academy now functions largely as a shell entity linked to multiple tenders.

The deal has also renewed focus on senior officials within the City of Ekurhuleni.

The tender fell under the portfolio of former human resources head Linda Gxasheka, who was later dismissed amid allegations that she protected suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi from disciplinary action tied to alleged corruption within the municipality and the metro police department.

News24 further reports that Ekurhuleni has repeatedly been cited as a stronghold of influence for Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a claim supported by evidence presented before both the Madlanga Commission and an Ad Hoc Committee probing corruption and governance failures.

The investigation also links the Matlalas to a lavish lifestyle allegedly funded by proceeds from tender-related deals, including living in two Pretoria mansions, driving luxury vehicles and embarking on frequent international trips.