KAROO NEWS - Several developments over the last few months brought to light what is believed to be severe discrepancies affecting the weighbridge project in Middelburg, Eastern Cape.

After the publication of the article, Weighbridge deadlock 'is killing Middelburg', in which the DA's MLP Heinrich Muller stated that the weighbridge project in Middelburg was deserted, Top Rock Aggregate Group's Director, Marileze Rudman contacted Graaff-Reinet Advertiser with information. 

She provided a detailed plan of action, with annexures, which have been followed since 8 February 2024 on the Middelburg Integrated Traffic Control Centre in Meintjies Road and the N9 intersections, for which they supplied the plant and materials.

Rudman says Top Rock was appointed on 8 February as the supplier for the plant needed and for the aggregate materials for the project, and on 18 March the first plant was established to site. 

Top Rock received payment for the first two invoices. Both payments were received very late, but were paid.

On 27 June Top Rock submitted their third invoice, but according to Rudman, up to date, the invoice has still not been paid.

Top Rock were informed on 9 May that the site has been suspended due to the contractor's expired Letter of Good Standing from the Compensation Fund. It was requested that plant remain on site.

Rudman had a conference call with Bavelile Msomi, director of Khoza Tradings, and his assistant, Levitico Dembedza, on 25 July, when Msomi promised to pay Top Rock by the end of July this year. She says this was not done.

Then Top Rock was notified via e-mail on 9 July to proceed to sub-let the plant to Khoza Tradings and that Khoza Tradings would update Top Rock regarding the resumption of works. The plant was de-established, under condition that when plant needs to be re-established to site, Khoza Tradings would be required to pay site and de-establishment, and 90 hours upfront.

Khoza Trading 'doesn't exist'

Dembedza agreed, but once Top Rock could eventually get hold of Msomi, they were informed that the money was not available.

"Tallent Dlamini from Khoza Tradings contacted Top Rock on 29 July, regarding the pricing for a new tender," confirmed Rudman. "I noticed that the office number on the email was different to that on their previous letterhead. After following up on these addresses, we did in fact find that there are no offices for Khoza Tradings at either of those addresses.

"These offices are non-existent, just as the company is non-existent. The address used to belong to a company called Khoza Logistics that had been deregistered.

"Tallent Dlamini supplied a VAT number, as well as a registration number, but after some research, it was found that the registration number does not belong to Khoza Tradings. In fact Khoza Tradings does not exist on the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) portal at all.

"Khoza Tradings has now returned to site and there is new plant on site. The contract with Top Rock was not terminated."

Tender without paperwork

Top Rock is unsure of the road ahead. "How can Khoza Tradings be permitted to carry on with the information at hand? How can Khoza Tradings get tenders from the Department of Roads and Public Works, when their paperwork is not in order?

"Khoza Tradings or whoever they are, should be put off site with immediate effect," said Rudman.

It has come to Rudman's attention that the plant currently on site is hired by Msomi himself from two companies based in Bloemfontein. She says Khoza Tradings is deliberately and intentionally side stepping local SMME's.

Muller reacted with shock, stating that all the residents of Middelburg is negatively affected. "We need to protect our small towns. I have already submitted written questions to the MEC of Transport on this nightmare of a project by a non-existent company."

Awaiting response

Unathi Binqose of the Department of Transport promised to look into the allegations by Top Rock and give a full report.

Bavelile Msomi of Khoza Tradings was contacted for an explanation but to no avail as no messages were replied to. Levi Dembedza told the Advertiser that he was not in a position to talk to the press.

Previous report: Weighbridge deadlock 'is killing Middelburg'

The Meintjies Street entrance to Middelburg.

Work has restarted on the N9 outside Middelburg.

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