The DA’s candidate for KwaZulu-Natal premier and mayor of uMngeni, Chris Pappas, has claimed that allegations of nepotism and corruption against him are a smear campaign.
Pappas insists the claims of malfeasance and unethical conduct against him regarding a tourism funding controversy are untrue and elements of it predate his mayoral tenure.
A former DA leader who is now a member of the ANC, Sizwe Mchunu, submitted a report to the public protector's office this week asking it to investigate claims that Pappas' partner received contracts from Umgeni municipality.
“It is worth questioning why these allegations were not raised when the information was initially ‘uncovered’ — the timing of these accusations, following my announcement as a candidate, suggests a possible smear campaign,” he said.
The report to the public protector is centred around Pappas’ “fiancé” JP Prinsloo's dealings with uMngeni municipality in his capacity as chairperson of uMngeni Tourism (an NPO). Eyebrows were raised when the entity was given funding of R100,000 by the municipality while other NPOs received R10,000.
Pappas said “the memorandum of understanding between uMngeni Tourism and uMngeni municipality predates my assumption of office and was signed before my tenure began — Prinsloo resigned from his position as chairperson of uMngeni Tourism in July 2023.”
Pappas added that his relationship with Prinsloo ended seven months ago and that there was no conflict of interest.
“Mr Prinsloo was elected as the chairperson of uMngeni Tourism before I became the mayor of uMngeni municipality. This occurred under the previous government and was officially documented in the minutes from December 15, 2020. Mr Prinsloo was re-elected on March 31 2022.
“Any potential conflicts of interest were reported to the municipal manager and the speaker of the council. These reports are publicly accessible and were submitted on April 1 2022, following Mr Prinsloo's election,” he explained.
Pappas denied any “corrupt tender” under him as mayor said Prinsloo’s company, Growth Spurt Consultancy (GCS), was appointed as consultant to uMngeni Tourism for a festival.
“There have been no tourism-related tenders within uMngeni municipality, contradicting the allegations that the company GSC has benefited from such tenders. It's important to note that GSC was only registered in August 2023, which contradicts claims that it has been actively involved in non-existent tenders,” said Pappas.
He said contrary to claims, the municipality has supported other tourism NPOs, providing financial assistance to Zulu-Mpophomeni Tourism and Notties Tourism for events, along with monthly grants to all NPOs.
He added that monthly tourism reports, which include expenditure details from tourism NPOs, are submitted to the economic development portfolio committee, where various political parties, including the DA, ANC and EFF, have unanimously accepted these reports.
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