Response to ANC statement on the CTICC

The ANC's decision to refer to the Public Protector the purchase by the City of Cape Town of a piece of land which is of critical to the expansion of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is the worst kind of political opportunism (see here).

The land in question will be used for a much needed expansion of the capacity of the CTICC. This investment will see Cape Town further position itself as a leading global conference and events destination. This, in turn, will help drive economic growth and development and create much needed jobs for citizens of the city.

The amount offered by the City for the site has been determined after extensive analysis by the city's own valuers' as well as by an independent valuer and is in line with market prices.

There is no doubt that the transaction can stand up to the highest level of scrutiny. The City will co-operate with any investigation that the Public Protector may institute into the transaction.  It has nothing to hide.

Thus, the ANC's allegations are rejected with the contempt they deserve. The ANC would be better served by settling the R1,8 million they still owe the CTICC.  Their failure to pay this amount even after a court order has been issued, amounts to effective theft of public money by the ANC.

Furthermore, it is only the failure of ANC Ministers of Public Works, one after the other, year after year, to engage over the availability of Customs House for the expansion of the CTICC, that led to the need to pursue an alternative site for the expansion.

Statement issued by Ian Neilson, Executive Deputy Mayor, City of Cape Town, March 11 2012

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