Today, I have noted the defamatory comments made by the Johannesburg Caucus ANC alleging my involvement in a fictitious cover-up.
The ANC has alleged kickbacks to the tune of R800 000 levelled against Cllr Alex Christians, the Chair of Chairs for the Johannesburg Metropolitan Council. As a part of this the City is accused of covering the matter up.
The final investigation into this matter was presented on the 25th of January 2019 and was immediately forwarded to the Speaker and the City Manager for their consideration.
I must categorically dismiss the ANC’s frivolous claims as another baseless and a weak attempt at impugning not only my own personal reputation and that of the administration.
The Chief Whip of Council received a complaint pertaining to the Councillor and immediately requested an investigation by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigations Services (GFIS) headed by Shadrack Sibiya, ran the investigation which found: “GFIS could not substantiate the allegation of R800 000 kickback that Councillor Christians and no one was willing to give us more information on the allegation.”
As a part of the forensic investigation, a lifestyle audit of Councillor Christians found no evidence of income which had not been declared to the City, further illustrating that there is no evidence to substantiate the claim.
Given this, I have will be writing to the ANC, giving the 48 hours to retract the libellous statement made. I am not going to allow anyone to damage my reputation or divert our
efforts to end corruption in the City. Whilst the investigation found no criminal conduct as committed by Councillor Christians, it made findings which have been referred to the Speaker of Council for consideration, which I am advised is before him. Any matter involving a Councillor falls under the domain of the legislature.
I will not allow the ANC to continue to defame the leadership of the City of Johannesburg and our continued efforts to combat fraud and corruption. Should they continue to do so, they will find themselves in court with expensive bill as they have in the past.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Johannesburg
Media queries:
Luyanda Mfeka
Director: Mayoral Communications
Office of the Executive Mayor
City of Johannesburg
Tel: 011 407 6727
Cellular: 076 171 5978
Email: luyandam@joburg.org.za
