Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has distanced itself from controversial businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, stating that it has no record of a reported R70 million proposal for a luxury private airport terminal at OR Tambo International Airport.
The denial follows media reports suggesting that Matlala — who has been implicated in several corruption-related controversies — had pitched a plan for a VIP and VVIP terminal that would allow elite passengers to bypass standard airport security and immigration processes through a fast-tracked system allegedly managed by his security company.
ACSA: “We Can’t Find It in Our System”
Speaking during a media briefing on Sunday, ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu said the entity launched an internal investigation after becoming aware of the reports, but found no trace of any formal application linked to Matlala.
“When we heard about this, we started looking into the matter to find out where this application is that came with this gentleman. We can’t find it in the system,” Mpofu said.
She explained that ACSA operates under a clear policy framework for handling private development proposals, including unsolicited bids, which are formally logged and assessed by its finance division.
Unsolicited Bid Policy Explained
Mpofu noted that while ACSA previously collected unsolicited proposals informally, a formal policy was introduced about three years ago to regulate how such bids are evaluated.
Under the policy, unsolicited bids must meet strict criteria, including proof that the proposal is unique and that no similar offering exists in the market.
“If someone is bringing a totally unique offer, it may be treated as unsolicited,” Mpofu said.
However, she stressed that no proposal associated with Matlala exists within ACSA’s official systems.
“On our record, we can’t find the ‘Cat’ Matlala associated problem. We just can’t find it.”
Possible Informal Engagements Raised
ACSA has not ruled out the possibility that the proposal may have been discussed informally with individuals outside official processes.
“The number of possibilities is that it was discussed maybe with a former employee who left, and we’re not able to trace it,” Mpofu said.
She also indicated uncertainty about whether the proposal was linked directly to Matlala or potentially to another company operating within ACSA’s ecosystem.
“We really don’t know. It hasn’t entered our system. It hasn’t been considered.”
Security Concerns Remain Unclear
While reports suggested the proposal had a security component, Mpofu said ACSA has no documentation to support this claim.
“It seems to have a security link, but we are just as lost as you are,” she said.
Mpofu added that ACSA remains open to reviewing any credible documentation should it surface in the future.
