Lamborghinis and Tender Scandal: How Hangwani Maumela Looted Millions from South Africa’s Health System

Ayesha Nyanzunda

A multimillion-rand corruption scandal involving Hangwani Maumela, a businessman widely described as a “tenderpreneur,” has exposed how public funds meant for South Africa’s health system were allegedly diverted to finance an extravagant lifestyle of luxury cars, mansions, and high-end living.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) have seized assets worth more than R326 million linked to Maumela. Among the seized items are three Lamborghinis, including a Lamborghini Urus valued at nearly R5 million, a Bentley, a luxury boat, expensive furniture and artwork, and multiple properties across the country.

The Tembisa Hospital Connection

The scandal is rooted in procurement fraud at Tembisa Hospital in Gauteng. Investigators allege that Maumela’s network of companies, some of which are suspected to be shell entities, won hundreds of tenders for medical supplies, cleaning, catering, and other services.

According to the SIU’s interim report, contracts were deliberately structured to bypass oversight by splitting them into smaller amounts, inflating prices, and invoicing for goods and services that were never delivered. The report estimates that more than R2 billion in public funds were siphoned through this network.

The Whistleblower Who Tried to Stop It

The corruption was initially exposed by Babita Deokaran, a senior finance official in the Gauteng Department of Health. She flagged irregular payments and suspicious tenders linked to Maumela’s companies in 2021.

Weeks later, Deokaran was assassinated outside her home in Johannesburg. Her murder sparked a national outcry and intensified calls for accountability within the public health sector. Her whistleblowing is now widely credited with triggering the investigations that led to the asset seizures.

Luxury Financed by Public Funds

The SIU and AFU have frozen an extensive portfolio of Maumela’s assets, including three Lamborghinis, a Bentley, a luxury boat, and multimillion-rand properties in Sandton, Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal, and other provinces. Several bank accounts linked to his companies have also been targeted.

Authorities say this is one of the largest corruption-related asset seizures in recent years. Preservation orders have been issued to prevent the disposal of the assets while investigations continue.

Political Links and Public Outrage

Maumela has previously been linked to President Cyril Ramaphosa through extended family ties, though the President has publicly distanced himself, stating he has no personal relationship with him.

The case has intensified public anger over tender corruption in South Africa, a system critics say allows politically connected individuals to enrich themselves at the expense of essential public services.

Legal Action Underway

The AFU has confirmed that the asset seizures are part of a broader legal strategy to recover funds stolen from the state. SIU head Andy Mothibi has pledged to “follow the money” and ensure that those responsible face justice.

Court proceedings are expected to follow. Several companies linked to Maumela remain under criminal and financial investigation, and additional preservation orders are anticipated.

Why This Case Matters

The Tembisa Hospital scandal highlights the devastating impact of corruption on the health system. The hospital serves thousands of patients, many from low-income communities. Funds diverted through fraudulent tenders deprived the institution of critical medical supplies, staff resources, and equipment.

The case also underscores the risks faced by whistleblowers. The murder of Babita Deokaran remains a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who expose corruption.

The Bigger Picture

South Africa has faced numerous high-profile corruption scandals in the public sector, but this case stands out due to its scale, the luxury assets involved, and the role of a whistleblower.

While Maumela has not yet been convicted and investigations are ongoing, the SIU maintains that its evidence trail is extensive. The public now awaits whether this will be one of the rare cases where stolen billions are recovered and accountability is achieved.