Lawrence Mudzinganyama’s company dealt major blow in South Africa

Moriel Infrastructure Group, a construction company previously associated with Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama, has been removed from South Africa’s National Register of Contractors following findings of misrepresentation in its registration applications.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson announced the decision on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, as the government stepped up efforts to hold construction companies accountable for breaching registration requirements.

According to the South African Government News Agency, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) approved the removals on 15 October.

Why Mudzinganyama’s company was removed

Macpherson said the investigation into Moriel began in 2025, before Mudzinganyama attracted widespread attention following a confrontation at a Sandton restaurant in September 2026.

The company was investigated over concerns about whether it had accurately represented its financial and technical capabilities when applying for higher contractor grades.

“The CIDB commenced its investigation into the company in 2025 and served its first formal notice that year,” Macpherson said.

He said a further notice was served on 11 September 2026 and that Moriel was given an opportunity to respond before the board made its decision.

Moriel previously held several high-level CIDB designations, including 8CE, 8SB, 8SK, 7EP, 7ME and 7GB.

These grades determine the categories and levels of construction work for which contractors qualify, based on their assessed capabilities.

The minister warned that misrepresenting experience or financial capacity could allow companies to compete for government projects they were not adequately equipped to deliver.

More construction companies removed

Moriel was among 13 construction companies removed from the register in the latest action, according to the government’s announcement.

The other companies included RTZ Construction and Projects, Shumani Development, Magagamela Trade and Projects, Exxeding Grace and King Tar Construction.

The latest removals brought the total number of contractors removed from the register since June 2024 to 75, compared with just one between 2002 and June 2024, the government said.

The CIDB operates under the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and oversees contractor registration and grading in South Africa.

Mudzinganyama’s case remains separate

Mudzinganyama, who previously served as Moriel’s executive chairman and a director, was charged in connection with an incident at a Sandton restaurant after a video circulated on social media.

Moriel subsequently announced that he had been removed from his leadership positions.

Macpherson stressed that the investigation into the company predated the controversy, while the criminal allegations against Mudzinganyama remain a separate matter for the justice system.

The company’s removal raises questions about its eligibility for future state construction work. The status of any existing contracts would need to be established separately.