Lerato Kganyago Drawn into Madlanga Commission Spotlight Luxury Northcliff Hotel Under Scrutiny Amid Claims of Secret High-Level Meetings
Lerato Kganyago implicated in Madlanga Commission in mention of her husband.
by Mathipa Phishego
Media personality Lerato Kganyago has been unexpectedly drawn into the ongoing proceedings of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, following revelations involving her husband, businessman Thami Ndlala, and their shared ownership of the luxury hotel 12 on Hillel Villa and Spa in Northcliff, Johannesburg.
The commission, which is probing allegations of corruption, state capture and interference within law enforcement agencies, heard testimony from an unnamed witness suggesting that the exclusive hotel was used as a venue for confidential meetings between senior police officials and business figures.
The 12 on Hillel Villa & Spa, reportedly owned by Kganyago and Ndlala, was identified during testimony as a meeting point for questionable gatherings tied to the investigation. Although no formal allegations have been made against Lerato Kganyago, her name has surfaced due to her association with the property and her husband’s business operations.
Public records indicate that Kganyago is not listed as a director of the hotel’s operating company, though the establishment was previously publicised as a gift from Ndlala to her in 2022. The commission is expected to probe whether the venue played any role in facilitating undue influence, financial transactions or coordination related to alleged corruption networks.
The public says Kganyago must be asked to provide clarity regarding her involvement, if any, in the operations or management of the hotel. Neither she nor Ndlala has issued a formal statement in response.
Network Citizens and public commentators are sharply divided some defend Kganyago as an uninvolved spouse, while others argue that ownership comes with accountability. Established to root out systemic corruption and criminal collusion within state institutions, the Madlanga Commission has already exposed alleged covert dealings involving business elites, law enforcement officials and political power brokers.
The mention of celebrity-linked properties marks a new layer of public interest raising questions about how private venues might be used in state-related misconduct.
