Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

Deadly Water (Part 2): How Corruption Poisoned North West

Loading player...
On paper, CMS Water Engineering looked like a success story: a black-owned company winning multimillion-rand contracts to fix water and wastewater systems. In reality, insiders say it was rotten at the core. The company’s director, Rudolf Schoeman Jnr, allegedly diverted projects to his own white-owned firm while staff grew suspicious of a sprawling bribery scheme. By the time CMS landed the infamous R291-million Rooiwal wastewater contract in Tshwane - alongside tender mogul Edwin Sodi - its reputation was already tarnished. The failed project was later linked to the 2023 cholera outbreak that killed 47 people. In Part 2 of the investigation, amaBhungane’s Susan Comrie joins Phemelo to trace the company’s murky rise from a small workshop in Orkney to the heart of one of South Africa’s deadliest service delivery scandals.
28 Oct 2025 5PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Joburg's fuel crisis raises concerns over service delivery

Johannesburg's financial troubles are under the spotlight after Roads and Transport MMC Kenny Kunene revealed that fuel services to the Johannesburg Roads Agency fleet have been suspended. The move has left vehicles responsible for pothole repairs, traffic signal maintenance and emergency infrastructure inspections grounded, sparking concerns about the City's ability…
24 Jun 5PM 22 min

Parliament seeks answers over clash between IDAC and Crime Intelligence

Parliament is demanding clarity following a dramatic standoff involving the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and senior Crime Intelligence officials. The incident has raised fresh concerns about tensions within South Africa's security cluster, with questions mounting over accountability and law enforcement oversight. Phemelo speaks to Portfolio Committee on Police Chairperson…
24 Jun 4PM 13 min

Thousands of Malawians stranded as repatriation efforts stall

Thousands of Malawian nationals remain stranded across KwaZulu-Natal as authorities battle logistical challenges in a large-scale repatriation process. Officials say limited transport capacity from the Malawian government has slowed efforts, forcing authorities to balance voluntary returns with deportation procedures. Phemelo speaks to KZN Premier spokesperson Lindelani Mbatha about the delays…
24 Jun 4PM 10 min

Campaign launched to reopen Joburg libraries on Saturdays

Civil society groups are calling on the City of Johannesburg to reopen public libraries on Saturdays, arguing that learners, job seekers and communities are being deprived of vital resources and safe public spaces. A petition has now been launched to pressure the City to restore weekend access. Phemelo speaks to…
24 Jun 4PM 6 min
All episodes