A 46-year-old company director accused in Mpumalanga’s massive education corruption scandal walked out of court on bail after the state chose not to oppose his application.

Zama Fakude was granted R30 000 bail by the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today, after appearing for the continuation of his bail proceedings. He is one of 40 people accused in the R114 million corruption and money laundering investigation linked to the Mpumalanga Department of Education.

Fakude handed himself over to police on 15 October and made his first court appearance alongside Pastor Thandekile Sibiya, who received R10 000 bail. He was initially remanded in custody pending the continuation of his bail application.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, the state did not oppose Fakude’s release on bail. The court imposed strict conditions, including the surrender of his travel documents to the investigating officer and a prohibition on interfering with state witnesses.

“The accused is expected to join his co-accused when the matter returns to court on 1 December,” said Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, spokesperson for the Hawks.

Fakude’s company allegedly benefited by more than R1 million from the fraudulent scheme, according to investigators.

The wider investigation centres on alleged corruption and financial irregularities involving the renovation of 21 schools in Mpumalanga. Authorities claim public funds were siphoned off through manipulated tender processes, where service providers were handpicked, provided substandard work, or were paid for work that was never performed.

The scandal first came to light in February when the Hawks arrested 38 people in connection with the scheme. The investigation has since expanded to include 40 accused individuals, among them religious leaders and business people.

The Hawks continue to pursue accountability in the matter, with investigations ongoing to identify all beneficiaries of the alleged fraud.

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