Mpumalanga Tourism CEO Vilakazi Resigns Amid Corruption Probe at Barberton World Heritage Site
Mbombela – The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has accepted the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer, Mr M.H. Vilakazi, just weeks after he faced a disciplinary hearing over serious allegations of corruption and maladministration. In a media statement released on Wednesday, 20 November 2025, the agency’s interim board confirmed Vilakazi’s departure follows his precautionary suspension in October 2025, linked to issues at the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain World Heritage Site. Vilakazi tendered his resignation effective immediately and waived his notice period, paving the way for acting CEO Lemmy Mduli to step in and ensure smooth operations.
This move comes amid growing scrutiny of the agency’s handling of major projects, with political parties and watchdogs calling for accountability. Vilakazi’s exit highlights ongoing challenges in South Africa’s tourism sector, where graft claims have stalled key developments meant to boost local economies and preserve natural treasures.
Announcement and Immediate Effects
The MTPA’s statement from its City of Mbombela offices noted: “The Interim Board of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) hereby announces the resignation of the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. M.H. Vilakazi. His resignation follows the commencement of a disciplinary hearing held on 29 October 2025.”
Vilakazi had been on precautionary suspension since early October 2025, pending the outcome of processes tied to claims of wrongdoing at the Barberton site. By stepping down, he avoids a full hearing, but the board wished him well in his future endeavours. Mduli, a long-serving agency insider, will act as CEO to maintain leadership and keep daily work on track.
The agency stressed its commitment to good governance, saying the change aims to focus on core goals like promoting tourism and protecting parks. For visitors and stakeholders, this means business as usual, with no disruptions expected to ongoing projects or services.
Background on Suspension and Corruption Allegations
Vilakazi’s troubles stem from a forensic probe into multimillion-rand scandals at the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rocks and biodiversity. Declared a protected area in 2018, the site was set for upgrades like a visitor centre to draw tourists and create jobs.
But allegations surfaced of a “ghost tender” worth R380 million, where funds were allegedly misused without real work done. Investigators pointed to procurement irregularities, including inflated costs and phantom contracts. Vilakazi was implicated in approving deals that led to financial losses, with claims of maladministration and possible kickbacks.
A separate R12 million tender also came under fire, fuelling calls for his removal. In June 2025, Vilakazi took the MTPA to court in the Labour Court Johannesburg, seeking to lift his suspension as unlawful after it exceeded 60 days. The case, Vilakazi v Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency and Others, highlighted disputes over fair process, but his resignation now closes that chapter.
These issues tie into broader problems in Mpumalanga’s public entities, where watchdogs have flagged weak oversight leading to wasted funds. The site’s potential as a tourism gem – with its 3.5-billion-year-old rocks – has been stalled, hurting local communities reliant on visitors for income.
Political Reactions and Calls for Accountability
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga welcomed the resignation, accusing the outgoing board of failing to deliver on mandates. They had long pushed for probes into the agency’s spending, saying Vilakazi’s exit is a step toward cleaning up. “We were also informed that Vilakazi resigned before he was expected to attend a disciplinary hearing scheduled for 29 November. Vilakazi has been implicated in a multimillion-rand scandal,” a DA statement noted.
Other groups, like local tourism operators, expressed relief but called for full audits to recover lost money. The ANC-led provincial government has stayed quiet, but insiders say the resignation avoids a drawn-out fight that could embarrass the administration.
Watchdogs urge stronger checks to prevent similar cases, pointing to patterns where officials face little consequence for mismanagement. This echoes national issues, like recent probes into state entities where corruption has cost billions.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 119 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Jacob Zuma Welcomes TonyYengeni to MK Party as Second Deputy President in Major Leadership Shake-Up🔴
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info: info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube