Nxesi, in a parliamentary reply to the African Transformation Movement (ATM), says he has not made any declarations in terms of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act to Parliament, because he has not benefitted anything from Sodi’s dealings, neither has Sodi’s company received any gratification in the form of contracts from his department under his leadership for any donations he confirmed to have made to the ANC. 

Sodi, during his testimony over the R255 million worth asbestos contract before the Zondo Commission, confirmed to have made several donations to the ruling party and a few of its members. Nxesi is, however, steadfast that he was not part of the ANC members who have allegedly benefitted from Sodi’s dealings with the Free State government.

Sodi is currently facing charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering for the R255 million asbestos deal that was awarded to his company Blackhead Consulting, together with Diamond Hill Trading in a joint-venture. The two Gauteng-based companies were awarded the contract to assess, audit, and remove asbestos roofs in the province by the provincial Human Settlements Department back in 2014.

Whist Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has in her investigative report flagged irregularities with this tender and how it was awarded without following proper procurement processes in addition to the department not receiving any value for money, the project raised more eyebrows when Sodi testified that the joint venture had no accreditation to remove any asbestos material despite being awarded the multi-million rand tender.

The businessman, who stands accused of making donations to the ANC and several ministers, made a R600 000 payment towards the purchase of a Range Rover for the Human Settlements Department's former national Director-General, Thabane Zulu, and a R650 000 down payment for a house in Bloemfontein where the provincial former HOD Nthimotse Mokhesi resides. Sodi is currently out on bail of R500 000 in connection with the project.

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