Chair quits to fight allegations

The chairperson of the joint constitutional review committee on amending section 25 of the constitution to allow for expropriation of land without compensation, Vincent Smith, has had to step down from his position to deal with allegations of unethical conduct levelled against him by the Democratic Alliance (DA) following media reports.

This week, DA chief whip John Steenhuisen said the party would be reporting the matter to parliament’s ethics committee, claiming that Smith had “received benefits both financially and in kind from facilities management group Bosasa” and had not declared them as is required.

The DA’s claims are based on reports that Smith allegedly received at least R670 000 from Bosasa over the past three years.

Steenhuisen’s affidavit details a security upgrade of electric fences and a high-end CCTV system worth R200 000 received by Smith, in addition to R100 000 in cash from Bosasa CEO Gavin Watson every month.

The ANC MP confirmed that he excused himself yesterday morning in order to work on finalising a statement in response to the allegations.

“In light of the allegations that were made in the media over the past weekend, I have since consulted with the leadership of the ANC in caucus. We are all in agreement that I am obliged to respond,” he said in a statement.

“I confirm having entered into an agreement for a personal loan with Mr A Agrizzi which is repayable by me.

“This loan was processed to me in two separate payments; an amount of R220 000 in 2015 and R395 000 in 2016. The loan was for the university tuition fees of my daughter in year one (2015) and year two (2016).

“I deny any further assistance, financial or otherwise, including the installation of CCTV cameras at my home from him or any other person or company. The cameras that are at my home were paid for by myself.

“My sole directorship of Euro Blitz 48, a company through which the loan was processed, is fully declared in the register of members interest and this has been the case since the acquisition of the company.”

The ANC has welcomed Smith stepping aside.