Cape Town – The ANC and EFF in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are reportedly demanding swift action against DA uMngeni Mayor Chris Pappas amid allegations that he assisted his fiancé in winning a tourism contract with the municipality.
Former DA provincial leader Sizwe Mchunu has requested the public protector to investigate claims that Pappas’ fiancé received R100 000 in funding for her tourism business, which is seen as unusual given the amount greatly surpasses grants given to other similar ventures.
JUST IN: A complaint has been lodged with the Public Protector regarding the aspirant KZN Premier, Umngeni Municipality Mayor Chris Pappas, over allegations of excessive grants to a newly established NPO solely owned by his fiance. pic.twitter.com/L6bOw7nq2T
— XOLI (@Mbhele_Xoli) September 27, 2023
Pappas has, however, denied the allegations, stating that the business in question was only registered recently and that the municipality had never put out a tourism tender.
According to IOL, the ANC and EFF have called for a thorough investigation by the public protector’s office, arguing that Pappas should be held accountable like any other elected public representative.
“The public outrage is an indication that finally the people of Umngeni Local Municipality have realised that the Zulu accent was just a wool pulled over their eyes.
“We support comrade Sizwe Mchunu for enlisting the services of the public protector. Let us allow the public protector’s office to investigate this matter without fear or favour,” the report quoted ANC provincial spokesperson Mafika Mndebele as saying.
Meanwhile, EFF provincial spokesperson Mazwi Blose said the accusations were highly significant, and urged the public protector to thoroughly investigate the matter.
“We are just not hopeful that this will be done as the laws of this country continue to turn a blind eye if the accused is white. In June Chris Papas was involved in a hit-and-run incident at Mpophomeni sports ground and a case of attempted murder was opened against him and till today nothing has been done,“ Blose said.
Pappas, in response, referred to the DA provincial chair for comment and questioned the timing of these allegations following his nomination as the party’s candidate for the 2024 premiership.
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Picture: X/@Mbhele_Xoli
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu