Main contractor vanished, sub-contractors left unpaid

TSIMANYANE – The D4340 Road Project, meant to connect Tsimanyane and Mohlotsi Villages in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM), has become a nightmare for sub-contractors and workers, who are still owed millions of rands after main contractor, Sabela Mathava Consulting, vanished without warning.

The alleged abandoned road project, implemented by Roads Agency Limpopo on behalf of Limpopo Department of Public Works, has left a trail of destruction, unpaid bills, and shattered dreams from communities that were hoping to get a proper road.

The project, aimed at re-gravelling the D4340 Road, was allocated R3 million by the Limpopo Department of Public Works and was expected to be completed in January 2026.

Despite submitting invoices in November and December 2025, sub-contractors claim they were not paid and instead, they met with constant delays and excuses from the main contractor, who eventually vanished mid-December.

They claim Sabela Mathava Consulting left the project incomplete and disappeared without paying invoices exceeding R1.2 million.

Sub-contractors allege that despite receiving R1,8 million in October 2025 and R800 000 in November 2025, the main contractor only paid a few individuals a fraction of what they were owed, leaving the majority with nothing.

“We started working on the project from 5 November and submitted our first invoices on the 28th of the same month, which were never paid,” he said.

He added that they were told the work was behind schedule as per the department’s inspection, which did not allow for further payment. 

“We pushed harder in December, hoping to catch up and secure payment, but it was a futile effort as the main contractor vanished without warning, leaving us with unpaid invoices and a mountain of debt,” said a disappointed sub-contractor.

The situation is dire, with security personnel still on site but unpaid, and the main contractor removing equipment piece by piece, showing signs that he will never return.

The abandoned project has created a hazardous environment, with open trenches and deep excavations. Now residents said they are worried that the incomplete development is instead, posing a risk to children and animals especially during rainy days.

“We fear for our children,” said a concerned resident. “The project should have been completed in January, but it’s been almost three months now, and there are no signs of the main contractor. We’re also worried about the safety of school children as motorists using alternative routes passing nearby local primary schools are speeding, which could put children at risk,” she said.

The sub-contractors are now seeking to escalate the matter to Limpopo MEC for Public Works, Ernest Rachoene, demanding an investigation into alleged corruption and money laundering within the project.

“We are seeking to convene a meeting with Rachoene and address the issue. An investigation is needed to uncover the truth behind the corruption and money laundering within the project. We want justice, and we want it now,” he said.

Both Limpopo Department of Public Works and Roads Agency Limpopo remained tight-lipped about the issue, failing to respond to enquiries from this publication.