WC DA says it welcomes any lawful probe that will get to bottom of Swellendam tender fraud allegations

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Western Cape said it welcomed any lawful investigation that would get to the bottom of tender fraud allegations within the Swellendam Local Municipality.

Another dark cloud hangs over the DA-led municipality, following allegations of misconduct by the municipal manager in November.

The African National Congress (ANC) also accused some DA members in the municipality of trying to bribe its councillor to resign and trigger a by-election.

Now, the ANC and GOOD Party said a report to be discussed in council this week would reveal a R40 million tender fraud involving some municipal employees.

DA provincial leader, Tertuis Simmers, said no proof had been provided by the ANC on any of the allegations it had made against the DA in Western Cape.

"Given that they tend to tarnish our party's name, whatever such an independent investigation delivers, our party believes in the rule of law and the due process will need to follow. But it all starts with a formal process of initiating a formal investigation."

Meanwhile, the ANC's Khalid Sayed has urged all political parties in Swellendam to distance themselves from the DA.

“We stand with the residents of Swellendam against corruption, malfeasance, and maladministration. We are for a clean municipality, for a municipality where everybody who is intent on bringing clean governance and proper service delivery to our people can work together."