In a storm of controversy surrounding corruption claims within local politics, Victoria De Beer, the Fezile Dabi Regional Chairperson and Mayor of Ngwathe Municipality, has vehemently rejected allegations of soliciting bribes alongside her husband from a local construction company, Moroka JV Mbunana Building.

The allegations emerged following purported correspondence from the company's managing director, Robert Madie, who claimed to have transferred R400 000 into De Beer’s husband's account.

However, speaking exclusively to The Star, De Beer clarified that neither she nor her husband knows Madie and has never conducted business with him.

“My husband is a businessman; he has a right to engage with whoever he wishes,” De Beer stated, asserting her innocence.

“I can assure you that both myself and my husband do not know this so-called ‘businessman.’”

She further accused unnamed individuals within her party of orchestrating a smear campaign against her, hinting that resistance to her rise within the ANC hierarchy could be inspiring these allegations.

The allegations detailed in Madie's letter suggest he was called to a meeting in Kroonstad by senior ANC leaders, including the Chief Whip of the ANC in Mafube, to discuss payments.

However, Madie later confirmed that he did not meet with De Beer during that gathering, stating, “The treasurer and Regional Chair submitted their apologies for that particular sitting.”

In light of these allegations, the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader in the Free State, Roy Jankielsohn, has urged the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) to investigate the claims of corruption involving the ANC leadership in the region.

He accused the ruling party of extorting funds from contractors in exchange for retaining their municipal contracts, with a staggering R400 000 allegedly directed to a company named SKYBUILD.

Jankielsohn pointed out that funds supposedly intended for ANC support may have lined the pockets of individuals linked to the ANC.

“He was informed that these funds were meant to fund the ANC, but according to his letter, they went to the pockets of ANC-connected individuals,” Jankielsohn added, highlighting the grave implications if these allegations are substantiated.

The DA's request for a probe extends to several illegal activities, including extortion, corruption, theft of state funds, nepotism, and money laundering.

This unfolding story has cast a spotlight on the internal dynamics of the ANC in the Fezile Dabi region, raising questions about governance and ethical conduct within local government structures.

As the region approaches the end of its term of office, it remains to be seen how these allegations will impact the political landscape.

Meanwhile, the ANC in the region has denied any involvement in any wrongdoing in the matter.

We, as the ANC, have not engaged anyone to fundraise on behalf of the region. We were neither aware of any meetings nor did we issue any apologies,” the party said.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za