Vincent Smith allegations ‘inspired by land question’, says ANC
The African National Congress
(ANC) in Parliament has sprung to the defence of MP Vincent Smith.
This follows weekend reports that Smith was paid R800 000 by controversial facilities management group Bosasa over the past three years. The City Press newspaper also claimed that Smith accepted the installation of electric fences and a high end CCTV system at his home, worth an estimated R200 000 as well as a R100 000 monthly payment from Bosasa chief executive officer Gavin Watson.
Smith announced on Tuesday that he has decided to step aside as the chairperson of various parliamentary committees, including the committee on justice and correctional services.
Smith will face Parliament’s ethics committee as he seeks to clear his name.
He will also appear in front of the ANC’s integrity committee.
“We welcome his willingness to subject himself to the ethics committee of parliament in effort to clear his name. We further welcome his voluntary declaration to appear before the ANC integrity commission to ventilate these matters that have been raised in the media, as means of being held accountable by his organisations,” says ANC caucus spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli.
Mhlauli believes the allegations against Smith is due to the ANC’s position on land expropriation without compensation.
“Whilst we do not understand the motive behind those who put this story in the public domain, we can only suspect that their timing is inspired by the ANC’s position on the expropriation of land without compensation.”
In an earlier statement, Smith confirmed the personal loan from former Bosasa chief operating officer Angelo Agrizzi.
“I confirm having entered into an agreement for a personal loan with Mr A. Agrizzi which is repayable by me. This loan was processed to me in two separate payments; an amount of R220 000 in 2015; and R395 000 in 2016. The loan was for the university tuition fees of my daughter in year one (2015) and year 2 (2016).
“I deny any further assistance, financial or otherwise, including the installation of CCTV cameras at my home from him or any other person or company. The cameras that are at my home were paid for by myself.
“My sole directorship of Euro Blitz 48, a company through which the loan was processed, is fully declared in the register of members interest and this has been the case since the acquisition of the company.”