Security work at Executive Mayor’s residence in line with provisions of national legislation

In response to reports of alleged irregular upgrades to the City of Cape Town Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille’s private residence quoting faceless, nameless sources in the Safety and Security Directorate's Internal Investigations Unit, I would like to provide the facts. 

The work done at the Mayor’s residence relates to security equipment installations undertaken by the City of Cape Town as per the prescribed legislative provisions announced by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

The work done at the Mayor’s residence follows a security risk assessment and investigation into the safety of the Mayor by a special unit within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Following the investigation by the SAPS unit, a risk analysis report with findings and guidelines of security work required to be undertaken at the Mayor’s residence was provided to the Speaker of Council. 

The proper supply chain management processes were followed to procure the required safety equipment.

The guidelines in the report by the special unit within SAPS were closely followed in the process of installing the security equipment at the Mayor’s residence.

The details of the safety equipment cannot be disclosed as these measures are to ensure the Mayor’s safety as prescribed in the findings of the SAPS unit’s report. 

Finally, it must be emphasised that the safety upgrades undertaken by a supplier appointed by the City through the supply chain management process only relate to safety equipment and not construction building work. The construction work undertaken at the Mayor's residence was paid for by the Mayor. 

Statement issued by Alderman Dirk Smit, Speaker, City of Cape Town, 1 October 2017