Fraud Probe Ends Ntombela’s Government Tenure

Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has officially dismissed Godfrey Ntombela, the Head of Department for Sports, Arts and Culture, following a dispute over a questionable contract extension and allegations of fraud.

Ntombela’s employment contract expired in February 2025. According to Premier Ndlovu, the previous administration extended the contract from March to September 2024. Upon taking office, Ndlovu approved a further five-month extension. However, it has since emerged that documents were submitted reflecting an extension until 2027.

The scandal deepened when it was discovered that the electronic signature of former Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane was allegedly forged on the contract documents. Mtshweni-Tsipane has denied ever signing or authorizing such an extension.

Addressing the media in Mbombela on 15 July, Premier Ndlovu revealed serious concerns over fraudulent conduct. “It has come to my attention that a fraudulent activity was committed, where the former premier’s electronic signature was used to falsify the contract extension,” he said.

Ndlovu also revealed that an alleged payment of R80,000 was made in exchange for the use of the forged signature.

“This matter is being taken very seriously. We have since consulted the Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, and a criminal investigation is underway,” Ndlovu confirmed.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the full scope of the fraud and any additional individuals who may be implicated.