DA Premier candidate in KwaZulu-Natal cleared of ANC fabricated wrongdoing
29 February 2024
Note to Editors: Please find attached letter by KZN COGTA clearing uMngeni Municipality Mayor and DA KZN Premier Candidate, Chris Pappas, of alleged corruption.
In light of the recent investigation conducted by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) into allegations against the Honourable Mayor of DA-run uMngeni Municipality and Democratic Alliance (DA) candidate for the KwaZulu-Natal Premiership, Chris Pappas, we are pleased to share conclusive findings that affirm the integrity of our candidate.
Allegations had surfaced, suggesting undue benefit from municipal funding involving our candidate and his former partner. These claims, brought forward by members of the African National Congress (ANC), necessitated a thorough and unbiased investigation by COGTA to ensure transparency and uphold the democratic values we stand for.
The Democratic Alliance has always been at the forefront of advocating for good governance, transparency, and ethical leadership. It is with this commitment to high standards that we welcomed the full cooperation of the uMngeni Government with the COGTA investigation, confident in the integrity of our candidate.
The findings of the investigation, as released by the MEC for COGTA, have categorically dismissed the allegations as unfounded. The exhaustive review of evidence has shown that there is no basis to the claims that our candidate, or his former partner, unduly benefited from municipal funding.
It is however regrettable that precious government resources had to be used to investigate these baseless allegations by the ANC which were nothing other than an attempt to score cheap political points which have ultimately backfired on them. We hope the ANC will use this opportunity to reflect on their behaviour and channel their focus on real corruption taking place in their own municipalities like eThekwini and Msunduzi which have collapsed.
This result not only vindicates our candidate but also underscores the importance of due process and the need to confront baseless accusations with facts. The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal views this outcome as a reaffirmation of our candidate's suitability for the Premiership, his unblemished record of service, and his dedication to the principles of fairness and justice.
Our focus remains steadfast on addressing the needs and concerns of the people of KwaZulu-Natal, promoting development, and ensuring good governance across the province.
Statement issued by Dean Macpherson - DA KZN Provincial Chairperson, 29 February 2024
