Maile denies claims of bias

Gauteng member of the executive council (MEC) for economic development Lebogang Maile yesterday refuted allegations of dishing out lucrative contracts to friends and comrades in the ruling ANC and suggested legal action against those who made the allegations.

The Mail & Guardian reported that Maile had dished out a R29 million deal to ANC spokesperson and comrade Pule Mabe.

The contract was for the delivery of three-wheeler vehicles to be given to waste pickers to collect recyclable goods which are yet to be delivered.

Opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) member of provincial legislature (MPL) Janet Semple said that the deal was deemed unlawful by the provincial treasury.

Maile rejected Semple’s claims and ordered her to retract the statements.

“I reject with contempt accusations that suggest I am abusing my position to dish out tenders to my so-called friends.

“MPL Semple should unconditionally retract her baseless, unfounded and libellous accusations against my person, within the next 24 hours,” he said in a statement.

“I will exercise my legal rights to protect my integrity against this calculated and orchestrated smear campaign to tarnish my reputation and standing in society.” – ANA