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.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by urgent national demand for essential medical supplies, I had the requisite logistics capacity to distribute efficiently and the operational capability to deliver at scale,” he said.
He added that his company supplied goods through an authorised and SAHPRA-licensed entity responsible for quality control and approvals, stressing that the products met all specifications, were accepted for use, and that there was no evidence of financial loss to the State.
“While 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 ventilated,” he added.
Mgudlwa emphasised that the procurement process in question was led by the State and that the Department of Health’s role remains central to the dispute.
Criticising what he described as irresponsible public commentary, Mgudlwa urged restraint from both media and the public.
“I urge the media, stakeholders and the public to exercise responsibility and fairness in their commentary, ensuring accuracy and refraining from implicating uninvolved parties,” he said.
The Star
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