Director of implicated company says allegations are baseless
THE DIRECTOR of one of the companies that are the subject of an investigation into payments that were received from Sol Plaatje Municipality, stated that he is the victim of “false, defamatory and reckless allegations” that were ”without any substance or legal basis”.
He indicated that he was unaware of any complaints that were lodged with the Hawks, Public Protector or Special Investigating Unit into a tender that was awarded to his company.
“If there is any such investigation, I will provide the authorities sufficient time and space to conduct their work.
“Accordingly, I reserve my right to respond in full at the appropriate time and forum should the need arise.”
He denied that any work on site was halted due to payments that were withheld.
“The site remains operational and the progress made thus far has been satisfactory.”
He also denied that he had threatened any municipal official that “he would be dealt with by high-ranking politicians” if he refused to make payments to his company.
“I am unfortunately not in a position to respond on behalf of people I do not know. More importantly is the question as to why the acting director for infrastructure and service would refuse to make legitimate payments due and payable to contractors and pursuant to much needed service delivery?”
He stated that it was not uncommon for a company to be reflected as non-compliant by the South African Revenue Service (Sars).
“This can be due to ‘administrative and procedural factors’ that are ‘beyond a taxpayer's control’ even if it is indeed compliant.
“There could be an arrangement between the taxpayer and Sars on the outstanding tax debt. The taxpayer could have entered into an instalment payment arrangement with Sars. We have an existing arrangement with the Sars.”
He indicated that there was “nothing untoward” about payments made to his company by Sol Plaatje Municipality or any cession agreements that were entered into.
He denied allegations that he was funding the salary of the municipal manager’s bodyguard.
“The allegation is absurd, defamatory and untrue.”