By AGISANANG SCUFF

27 October 2026 – Magalies Water has warned bidders to remain vigilant following a recent tender scam in which unknown individuals allegedly impersonated the entity’s spokesperson, David Magae and implicated its General Manager for Project and Engineering Services, Sibongiseni Mbadamana in attempts to influence tender outcomes. The entity said the individuals were targeting bidders for a tender currently under consideration by Magalies Water’s Bid Committees.

According to Magalies Water, the scammers were using contact details, including the email address davidm@magalieswater.co.za and cellphone numbers 063 660 0464 and 064 968 1664, which do not belong to Magae or Mbadamana as alleged.

An assessment conducted by the entity’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department confirmed that the email had not originated from Magalies Water’s official email system. It was classified as a spoof email, meaning the sender had forged email details to impersonate an official Magalies Water account.

Magalies Water spokesperson David Magae said the incident was concerning, particularly because it was not the first time in recent months that the names of officials and members of the executive had allegedly been used for unlawful activities.

“This sustained campaign is aimed at tainting the reputation and image of Magalies Water. We urge bidders participating in both advertised and closed tenders to exercise caution and verify any suspicious communication purporting to come from the entity.

“Magalies Water conducts its financial affairs in strict compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), read together with the National Treasury Regulations,” he said.

Magae further said bidders are encouraged to report suspicious activities, including those relating to tender administration, through the following channels:

Whistle-blowing hotline: 0800 667 937

Email: magalieswater@behonest.co.za

WhatsApp: 0860 004 004

taungdailynews@gmail.com