Collen Mashawana: Who is alleged IDT fraud linked businessman?
According to reports, the Limpopo-born businessman – the baby daddy of actress and muso Thembi Seete – landed a lucrative contract to head an employment scheme funded by the government's Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) – via his charity. The scheme is accused of short-changing and failing to pay hundreds of workers.
Malaka made headlines last week for attempting to bribe a Daily Maverick investigative journalist. Mashawana's company denies any involvement.
According to the Daily Maverick, the Collen Mashawana Foundation (CMF) did not use funds from the R60 million EWWP employment scheme contract for the intended purpose. Instead, he is accused of flushing millions into a luxury home belonging to IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka.
This was reportedly done via his property management and building supply company, Luande Mukhethwa Properties, to Two Putswa Construction, which is responsible for building the house.
The R16 million home is located in the Waterfall Estate, the same residential area as one of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's homes. Collen Mashawana. Images from Twitter@collenmashawana
In a statement issued on Monday, 11 August, the business denied all allegations.
'The CMF strongly refutes the misleading implications published in a recent article by the Daily Maverick, which seeks to connect the Foundation's implementation of the Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) to alleged irregularities involving the suspended IDT CEO, Ms. Tebogo Malaka,' read a statement.
It added: 'Two Putswa has been one of our clients for years, and we supply them as and when they need materials.
'We had absolutely no idea that the materials might have been used on a property associated with Ms Malaka. We do not ask about the property ownership and employment of the owner when we are given an order. That is unheard of'.
Here is what we know about Collen Mashawana
The philanthropist and businessman is known for his charitable endeavors, such as building houses and feeding the underprivileged. He has several business ventures in the infrastructure development sector.
Mashawana fathered a son with singer and actress Thembi Seete in 2018. He is the former husband of fellow actress Lerato Moloi, who reportedly was 'best friends' with Seete. Mashawana also dated businesswoman and socialite Babalwa Mneno.
Mashawana is close allies with Economic Freedom Front (EFF) leader Julius Malema, who was invited to speak at the former's charity event last year.
Collen Mashawana allegedly owns a R30 million mansion in Dubai.
Last year, he received his Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) degree at UNISA.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
The Le Roux Question: Millions shape media, courts, democracy?
The Millennium Trust funds initiatives in media, law, civil society, and politics across South Africa, supporting organisations such as Daily Maverick, amaBhungane, CASAC, Freedom Under Law, and Judges Matter. | These grantees are said to operate with full editorial and organisational independence, but the Trust's influence is said to be exercised indirectly through advocacy, investigative work, and legal reform efforts, rather than through direct control. | The Trust provides financial support to the Democratic Alliance Image: Sizwe Dlamini ECONOMIST Dr Séan Mfundza Muller has issued a stark warning about the growing power of South Africa's ultra-wealthy, spotlighting Michiel le Roux, co-founder of Capitec Bank, and his alleged behind-the-scenes influence on media, politics, and civil society through strategic funding, raising questions about accountability, transparency, and the integrity of democratic institutions. Speaking on Ntsiki Mazwai's Moya podcast, Muller said: 'Another South African billionaire, who I think is very interesting, is Michiel le Roux, who is one of the people behind Capitec. Now, as far as I know — and I heard this both from a private source and then I also came across a public source of this information — Le Roux is behind a trust called the Millennium Trust.' Muller explained that, according to his research and private discussions, the Millennium Trust, which was founded around 2010, supports a 'constellation of powerful voices in civil society', noting: 'The Millennium Trust funds the Daily Maverick, amaBungane, the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (Casac), Freedom Under Law, as far as I know … and I'm going from memory here.' He further said that the trust operated with a certain degree of opacity: 'But so you've got all these civil society organisations, all these media outlets being funded by this … trust. I mean, I've gone to look at the directors. You would never guess from the directors of this trust. You would not be able to find out who's behind it.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Muller described how he discovered the connection: 'I only found out because I stumbled across something online and because somebody who had direct knowledge … told me privately that Le Roux is behind this.' When reached for comments, the Millennium Trust said they would get the appropriate person to respond to questions from the Sunday Independent, but had not got back to us by the time of compiling this report. Attempts to get comments from Le Roux drew a blank. Regarding potential implications, Muller raised concerns about editorial independence and transparency, saying: 'While these funds support critical journalistic and civic activities, concerns persist about their impact on editorial independence. Newsrooms such as the Daily Maverick and amaBhungane maintain that funding does not dictate editorial control, yet the exact terms and amounts often lack full public disclosure, raising questions about transparency in media financing.' He also spoke about Le Roux's financial support to South Africa's main opposition party, the DA: 'Michiel le Roux funds the DA … so he also funds their court cases. He funds the civil society organisations that apply to the court to be friends of the court in court cases. And he funds the media houses that report on all of that.' Muller posed a rhetorical question on the ramifications for public understanding: 'Okay, now, how do you think as an ordinary person, you're going to be able to get accurate information on, for example, who's corrupt and who's not, who's good and who's bad?' He noted that Le Roux's donations reportedly exceeded R50 million between 2021 and 2023 through private companies such as Fynbos Ekwiteit and Fynbos Kapitaal, making him among the largest disclosed donors to the DA within that timeframe. Muller also commented on broader patterns of philanthropic influence: 'This is just one billionaire. When they control three, right, and those are just the ones we know about, right, that's not even like particularly covert. As soon as you know who's funding the trust, you can figure that out loud, right? There's a whole lot of other stuff that we know less about, what we have to find out about through private sources … like who's funding Rivonia Circle … which is another thing which I've raised over the last couple of years.' Reflecting on new civic movements and political projects, Muller observed: 'Rivonia Circle was really the platform that Songezo Zibi used to start Rise Mzansi, which eventually we discovered was funded by the Oppenheimers.'
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Vivian Reddy: a self-made entrepreneur's journey without a degree
Businessman Vivian Reddy is a Co-Developer of Oceans Umhlanga Mixed-Use Development Image: Supplied IN A WORLD where degrees often seem like the only way to success, Vivian Reddy, a Durban-born businessman and the founder of the Edison Power Group, rose to success with pure determination. Without any formal educational background, the now 72-year-old carved his own path to achievement. His story challenges conventional definitions of success and proves that the absence of a degree does not mean the absence of potential. 'I did not have a university degree when I started. My education to this day is only a diploma in electrical contracting management. Most of my education came from the real world, from mentors, from trial and error, and from hard lessons," said Vivian. 'While I always respected formal education and encouraged others to pursue it, I knew that my path would be carved through grit, experience, and self-education. In many ways, that taught me resilience and resourcefulness early on.' Reddy said he knew who he was meant to be from an early age - a man with purpose. 'From a young age, I was drawn to the idea of creating something of my own, of being in control of my destiny. Bringing in the Box Scouts organisation shaped my thoughts. 'The defining moment came when I saw the socio-economic challenges in our comm unities and realised that entrepreneurship could be a powerful tool for both personal growth and upliftment of others. I wanted to build a business that not only created value, but created opportunity.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He said his background influenced his approach to business. 'I come from humble beginnings. I understood what it meant to go without, and that gave me both drive and empathy. It influenced me to be a businessperson who values people whether staff, clients, or community. It also instilled in me a hunger to rise above limitations, and a responsibility to help others do the same.' His first entrepreneurial venture was an electrical contracting business. 'I started it with virtually nothing but R500 and a beat up bakkie - no inheritance, no wealthy backers, just belief and hard work. It was not easy, but I secured small contracts, delivered with excellence, and gradually built trust. It taught me that reliability and integrity are the most valuable currencies in business. 'Today, Edison Power is one of the largest electrical businesses in Africa. In business, failure is a tough but necessary teacher. I once lost a major contract due to underestimating cash flow pressures. It nearly broke me. But it taught me the importance of financial discipline, strategic foresight, and surrounding yourself with capable people. Every setback carries a seed of wisdom if you're willing to look for it.' Reddy said when choosing an unconventional career, setbacks were bound to happen. 'Setbacks are part of the journey. I have learned to treat rejection not as defeat, but as redirection. One mistake I made early on was trying to do everything myself. I learned that empowering a good team is not just smart, it is essential. Today, I thrive on collaboration and trust in the strength of those around me. What is important is to never give up. 'A prime example is my R5 billion Oceans Development. Despite several setbacks, like two contractors being liquidated and contractual delays due to the Covid-19 uprising, I still overcame all that to create the largest new mixed used development in South Africa.' He said when you choose a path to walk, you should always see it through. 'There were moments when the challenges felt overwhelming. But what kept me going was a sense of purpose. I wasn't just building a business for myself; I was building hope for others. Knowing that people were depending on me gave me the strength to push forward. What's important in life is to persevere and never ever give up.' Reddy said he owed his success to being disciplined, grateful, and focused, which everyone who was choosing a path less walked, should remember. 'I start each day early, with time for reflection and planning. I also make a conscious effort to stay connected to people because relationships are the foundation of lasting success. I believe in showing up, being present, and delivering consistently. 'Start with purpose, stay humble, and be relentless in your pursuit. Don't fear failure. It is part of the journey. Build something that adds value, stay true to your word, and never forget to uplift others as you rise. Success is sweeter when it's shared.' He hopes his legacy reflects that business can be a force for good. 'That it is possible to achieve great success while creating opportunity, empowering communities, and giving back. I want to be remembered not just as a businessman, but as someone who made a meaningful difference. When it's time for me to leave this earth, I want to leave with a good conscience knowing I did my best to make South Africa a better place,' said Reddy. THE POST
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Lease probe marches on despite Public Works senior official's resignation
The top-ranking official faced the possibility of suspension before she voluntarily vacated her office. A senior official in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has stepped down while under scrutiny for alleged irregularities involving leases and maintenance contracts. Nyeleti Mthetwa, formerly the deputy director-general (DDG) in charge of real estate management services, recently handed in her resignation after being asked to address several accusations. She also faced the possibility of suspension. The division oversees the government's vast property portfolio, which includes leasing office space for government departments – transactions valued in the billions of rands. Public Works official quits, Macpherson vows to pursue lease probe The real estate management services branch has long been plagued by claims of wrongdoing, according to Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson. Hence, the minister called on the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) last year to push for a presidential proclamation authorising investigations into suspected mismanagement, questionable payments to private landlords under lease contracts, and irregular expenses related to emergency maintenance work on facilities. 'The DDG, alongside the chief director, was sent multiple letters, and the chief director responded to all of them; and therefore, a decision was made not to place them on suspension. 'However, the DDG responded to all except the last one and instead chose to resign,' Macpherson said in a statement on Friday. ALSO READ: Zikalala slams 'spurious' allegations about R45m IDT lease deal, heads to Public Protector The minister emphasised that the probes will continue despite the resignation, stressing the department's commitment to accountability in adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements. He also noted that the investigations into the branch are part of a broader effort since he took office to restore integrity within the department and pursue those found guilty of misconduct. 'The director-general, Mr Sifiso Mdakane, and I are committed to upholding good governance, protecting public resources, and ensuring our property portfolio is used for the benefit of all South Africans. 'This is how we will turn South Africa into a construction site, grow the economy, and create jobs,' Macpherson added. IDT scandal This development comes just a week after the head of the Independent Development Trust (IDT), which falls under the Department of Public Works, became embroiled in a bribery scandal. IDT chief executive officer (CEO) Tebogo Malaka was allegedly filmed offering a journalist R60 000 in cash, reportedly in a bid to halt reporting on an investigation into one of the entity's contracts and a luxury property she owns in Waterfall, Gauteng. The incident happened only days after Malaka was suspended, following findings from a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) investigation that uncovered irregularities tied to the IDT's R836 million oxygen plant project. The initiative was intended to deliver oxygen systems to 60 public hospitals nationwide. According to the PwC report, both Malaka and the trust's general manager of supply chain management, Molebedi Sisi, played central roles in signing off on the contracts at the heart of the scandal. Disciplinary action was recommended against the senior officials involved. NOW READ: Fake licence and ballooned budget: PwC report places IDT seniors at centre of R800m oxygen tender
