Cape Town - Finance MEC Alan Winde has accused ACDP MPL Grant Haskin of abusing his position and trying to “score political points”.
Winde said Haskin was abusing his position as chairman of the standing committee on public accounts when he tried to ensure that a “whistle-blower” of alleged irregularities at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) address the legislature.
The DA MPLs blocked Steven Lukey from trying to discuss irregularities in respect of the Northern Foreshore Development and proposed CTICC expansion.
Haskin has described Lukey as a “whistle-blower” and said he had been involved with the development and acquisition of the Foreshore land since it started in 1996.
Winde said this matter did not belong on the committee’s agenda as it related to a long-standing matter between Lukey and Naspers, the previous owners of the land.
“We cannot allow the chair to abuse his position by bringing to bear matters that do not relate to us simply to score political points,” he said.
Winde said a report by Convenco, the holding company for CTICC, made it clear that investigations into Lukey’s claims had been conducted by various institutions approached by him, including the public protector, and that he had been told that he did not have a legal case.
Haskin has denied Winde’s claims and said he was seeking legal advice to see if Lukey could still address the committee.
Cape Argus