CITY ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION INTO CITY PARKS

13 July 2010

The investigation into alleged irregularities at Johannesburg City Parks, by an independent legal firm, has now been concluded. Amongst the key findings of the report is the fact that no admissible evidence of corruption has been found.  This follows a decision by the City in February 2010 to review two (2) earlier inconclusive investigations.

The public and members of staff were then invited to provide the investigators with evidence of alleged irregularities.

Both the Chairman of the Board of City Parks, Mr Griffiths Zabala and the Managing Director, Mr Luther Williamson, were recused while the review of the investigation took place. This was to ensure a more transparent process.

Although the review of the investigation found no evidence of corruption, as required by law, the report has been referred to the South African Police. This effectively means that the SA Police Commercial Unit will decide whether or not this matter can be pursued further.

The City would like to announce the following:

• That Mr Maropeng Bahula has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of City Parks.
• That Mr Zabala will remain on the Board as a member.
• That following the resignation of Mr Williamson, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of City Parks, Mr Geoff Cooke, has been appointed as the Acting MD.

These aforementioned decisions have been taken to ensure public confidence in the management of City Parks and in keeping with the principles of good governance.

The City would like to assure all citizens and residents that we are committed to clean government and we will continue to deal with all matters in a way that is in keeping with due process. We will always strive to be fair and firm.

Statement issued by Gabu Tugwana, Communication Director, The City of Johannesburg, July 13 2010

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