Cape Town - Mayor Patricia de Lille has hit back at her detractors, saying an affidavit by the executive director of her office, Craig Kesson, was a malicious attempt to attack her integrity and track record as a whistle-blower and corruption fighter.
De Lille responded to Kesson’s affidavit accusing her and City manager Achmat Ebrahim of targeting Kesson, when he claimed the two failed to take action against senior City official Melissa Whitehead, who he also claimed was implicated in allegations of financial misconduct.
Kesson further claimed that De Lille threatened him with suspension for improperly investigating Ebrahim’s conduct.
Yesterday, De Lille challenged those who sought to attack her track record to bring proof that she benefited personally from any corruption or tenders: “In the past few days, many stories have appeared in media emanating from reports which served before a special council meeting on Tuesday that were made public by the Speaker in the interests of transparency.
“As it pertains to the affidavit, this is a malicious attempt to attack my integrity and track record as a whistle-blower and corruption fighter in South Africa. This is sensation.”
Ebrahim, Kesson (who is the executive director in De Lille’s office), and transport and urban development authority (TDA) commissioner Whitehead were given until next week to provide council with reasons why they should not be placed on precautionary suspension.
De Lille said: " A comprehensive response prepared by my lawyers to the claims against me would be made public once completed.
"Under my leadership, the City of Cape Town received four consecutive clean audits - the only municipality in the country to have done so.
"I stand resolute in my commitment to serve the people of Cape Town and will not be distracted by these attempts to discredit (me).”
Kesson could not be reached for comment on Thursday night.
Cape Times