Nomvula Mokonyane

The War on Leaks programme, launched and implemented under Mokonyane at the Department of Water and Sanitation, became the subject of an SIU investigation into potentially irregular appointments and expenditure. By 2025, the documented budget had risen sharply compared with initial estimates, while the scope of the investigation was being further expanded.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Angelo Agrizzi told the Zondo Commission that Bosasa provided benefits and payments to Nomvula Mokonyane. The Commission's report concluded that there was prima facie evidence warranting a corruption investigation and prosecution and referred the matter to the competent authorities.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Under Mokonyane, Water Department contracts and directives, particularly those linked to the Giyani project and LTE Consulting, drew governance criticism and SIU investigations into expenditure and procurement procedures. Parliamentary committees also questioned rising costs and the use of implementing agents.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

In February 2018, shortly after Mokonyane left the Water and Sanitation portfolio, SCOPA supported a full parliamentary inquiry, citing a long history of instability and financial mismanagement and an overdraft of 2.9 billion rand. The official statement said that she had left a "completely collapsed" department. Subsequent financial years continued to document extremely high levels of irregular expenditure.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Mokonyane extended the term of the Mhlathuze Water board chaired by Dudu Myeni. The KwaZulu-Natal High Court found the extension unlawful and invalid, holding that the minister lacked the necessary statutory power. After considering or initiating an appeal, Mokonyane withdrew it in May 2017.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

During service delivery protests in Bekkersdal in October 2013, media reported that Mokonyane had said the ANC did not need residents' "dirty votes". The remark sparked fierce controversy and calls for an apology; she subsequently apologised to those offended.

State of the evidence

Disputed

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Personally implicated