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FORMER Joburg mayor Parks Tau was allegedly offered a BMW X5 worth R1.5-million as a gift by Joburg City Auto.

Sunday World understands ANC Joburg City regional secretary Dada Morero told a commission of the alliance partners convened by trade union Nehawu Joburg region that Tau was offered the luxury SUV as a gift and he allegedly asked the delegates for advice on whether to accept it. When contacted, Morero said: Those things were said in a closed meeting of the alliance, and I won t discuss them with you.”

ANC Joburg region spokesman Jolidee Mathango, speaking on behalf of Tau, denied the former mayor was made a gift offer by BMW.

The regional secretary made an example at the workshop when talking about corruption,” Mathango said.

He said, If the ANC was to receive a gift of a BMW X5, what would be the perception from the people?

He was emphasising a point that in the eyes of the citizens, such a gift might cause people to think there was a deal that was agreed to behind the scenes.”

Mathango said there was never a discussion about the gift at the ANC Joburg region s regional executive committee (REC) meeting.

Dealership owner Stephen Nale denied the claims.

The only BMW X5 that was delivered to Parks Tau was brand new, and it came from the government garage,” Nale said.

It was delivered two months ago and is being used by [new mayor] Herman Mashaba.”

Nale said the City of Johannesburg had been buying cars from their dealership through Avis, the winner of a fleet management tender from the city.

We have delivered many BMWs for JMPD, but the cars were bought by Avis.”

Nale confirmed Joburg City Auto was moving to a new space in Newtown, but denied the land being developed was owned by the City of Joburg.

As far as I know, the land is owned by Transnet,” Nale said.

We were not directly involved because Atterbury [Property Holdings] is the one that dealt with Transnet on the matter. The dealership only signed a lease with Atterbury for the land.”

According to two officials from Nehawu, who were part of the political commission held at Bono House (Nehawu s regional office in the Joburg CBD) three weeks ago, Morero told them the REC had mandated him to seek the alliance s advice on the matter because it was politically sensitive and could be misinterpreted by the city s residents.

He told the commission the dealership had indicated it wanted Parks to enjoy the same comfort and luxury he used to enjoy while he was mayor of the city,” said one official.

It is believed some officials from Nehawu raised worries with the gift, stating it was likely to be seen as a kickback.

It is understood Nehawu advised the ANC to reject the offer.

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