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R4
Rural areas: FREE • Platteland: GRATIS
27 September 2013
Cough up Fear lessl y the tr uth
Photo: Zoutpansberger
Mr Jacques Smalle
• R850 000 claim facing DA leader
A claim for alleged defamation of character for R850 000 will be served on Mr Jacques Smalle, the Democratic Alliance’s leader in Limpopo, within the next week. He is also a DA member of parliament. The attorney for Southern Palace Investments 440 (Pty) Ltd, as well as Mr Søren Nielsen (both from Hoedspruit), Mr C H M Steyn of Steyn & Clarke Attorneys, confirmed yesterday that the necessary documents have been drawn up and should be issued by the Supreme Court within the next week. The claim results from a press release issued by Smalle in May this year.
The press release
The Consequence
• “The Democratic Alliance discovered that the first plaintiff, Southern Plaintiff Investments (SPI), was contracted by Lepelle Northern Water Board to render water services; • SPI was allegedly hawking water to Hoedspruit farmers at grossly escalated prices; • SPI was not a water service provider and that the tender process was not followed; • The Water Board agreed that SPI be permitted to sell 10 million cubic litres of its water for 30 years out of the Blyde River Dam; • The Blue Scorpions were investigating the ‘saga’ and that the Democratic Alliance expect to see the law takes it course; • The Cooperative Government MEC should investigate how a water board could illegally have sub-contracted services to SPI; • Corrupt contractors and authorities that do not respect the value of water end up causing innecessary hardship for families as well as loss of income for business.
In a letter of demand it was also stated that “the statements made by Smalle are wrongful and defamatory in that it imputes, alternatively were intended to impute and were understood by the persons to whom it was addressed to mean that SPI: • Was a questionable organisation intent of abusing local farmers by hawking water at grossly escalated prices; • An unethical organisation who was involed in questionable business practices; • Was involved in corrupt activities with the local water board; • Was under investigation by law enforcement agencies in respect of the unlawful contracting of services; • Was under investigation by law enforcement agencies for failing to
abide by tender procedures; • In this instance acted in a corrupt manner causing unnecessary hardship for families as well as loss of income for business; • SPI is a generally corrupt organisation, intent on corrupting other businesses for its own gain, and • Flouted tender procedures at will and who unlawfully took commercial advantage of farmers in the area who were in need of additional water to expand their farms and create jobs.
The Claim SPI thus claims R500 000 for damages suffered in its reputation, plus interest at the rate of 15,5% per a tempore morae and costs of the legal suit. Nielsen (the director) claims R350 000 (and interest and costs) for basically the same reasons as the company, which is stated as a trading corporation involved in investment in movable and immovable property as principal in the Hoedspruit/Phalaborwa area for reward, fee or benefit and conducts projects in the furtherance of Black Economic Empowerment in the area.
Muralists from around the world have created some 26 different works of art at the GTM’s building. Mr Andrew Nhlangwini from the Department of Arts and Culture in the Mopani District, an artist himself, has always had a passion for mural art. Whilst studying for his Masters in Art, the Mexican Embassy invited him to Mexico to spend time with muralist movements. He has since met many muralists from other countries. This culminated in this project to create murals on the outer municipal walls as well as a little known inner courtyard where the master muralists created five masterpieces. Nhlangwini is seen here working on his piece of art. Photo & info: Susan Ettmayr
Orchid show splendour The Wolkberg Orchid Society together with exhibitors of clivias, bromeliads, carnivorous plants and bonsais held their annual exhibition in the Tzaneen Lifestyle Centre foyer. President of the Wolkberg Orchid Society, Dr Sarel Spies, says this is an excellent venue and the Society hopes to make it an annual weekend event. Photo: Susan Ettmayr