MPL blames political rivals for corruption

ANC MPL Danville Smith, who has stepped aside following allegations of involvement in corrupt activities, will appear in the Bellville Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday, May 19, on corruption charges.

Smith, who denies the accusations, said he would continue to work with the Hawks to get to the truth of the charges against him. The Hawks have investigated irregularities at the Cederberg municipality during his tenure as Ward 5 councillor for Lambert’s Bay in 2016. Smith reiterated his innocence but said he welcomed the opportunity to clear his name in a court of law.

“There should be little doubt that these concocted charges are politically driven and are part of a plot to paint the ANC as corrupt. Meanwhile, for some time my name has been linked to investigations about PPE and I would like to say for the record that I have never been involved in any PPE procurement irregularities,” he said.

The ANC’s leader in the legislature, Cameron Dugmore, said: “We will be appointing an acting ANC spokesperson on local government. Our caucus political committee, in consultation with the Interim Provincial Committee, will finalise the conditions for MPL Smith during this period. I welcome the example which has been set by him and trust that this matter will be finalised without delays in the court.”

The SACP said that to show its support for the ANC enforcing the step-aside rule, it would take the same action against any member who may be charged with corruption or serious crime in court.