Rumours and allegations of irregularities surrounding the putt-putt development at Florida Lake refuse to subside. It is alleged that Vice President Cyril Ramaphosa is one of the funders.
The record was invited by the project manager Rupert September, a member of the ANC’s regional structure, on 29 October to view the progress and to meet its star partner Edna Mathebe, niece of Ramaphosa.
According to Mathebe the building many residents might have seen being erected is going to be a historic African restaurant that will serve traditional African cuisine. She explained that the theme of the restaurant would be dedicated to struggle heroes; however not only to the big names such as the Mandelas, Sisulus and Tambos but also to the forgotten heroes.
The project was toted eventually to employ 50 people and that it would help to combat crime around the lake by introducing more security.
When September was asked on the same day to provide the relevant documentation to prove that the project is legitimate and that it has been authorised, he promised he would. The record gave September a week and on the day of going to print September indicated that he had all the documentation ready but would email it only later since he was on site.
A source known to the record alleges that Mathebe was using a cash injection of R800 000 from Ramaphosa to furnish the project but has become concerned whether all was above board after the rumours started surfacing. Mathebe declined to comment on this.
The record also approached Mackie Venter of the Region C Sports and Recreation Department to establish whether September signed only a usage agreement – which would mean the building is illegitimate – or indeed a lease agreement with all the relevant authorisation. Venter also declined to comment saying he was not allowed to talk to the media, but referred the record to DA councillor Dave Dewes.
In a statement Dewes says, “Revitalising a piece of Florida Lakes history got me extremely excited. I realised working with Rupert September, ANC spokesperson, could be an ANC strategy to get a presence in the ward before the elections.
“Yet I always believed it was more important to revive the putt-putt for the community. The head of Region C Sports and Recreation (Venter) and I were confident it would play a major role in addressing the urban decay in the area and assist in bringing back people to Florida Lake. We were devastated when we heard that we had supported a slimy ANC con man.
“I admit my desperate attempt to revive a part of Florida Lake clouded my better judgement. I will stand by the council and my decision, as I believe that all is not lost,” says Dewes.
Three putt-putt courses are being rebuilt and will be available to schools during the week free of charge. Mathebe said earlier she wanted to bring in school children from as far as Soweto to be introduced to the game. The project also will see two new volleyball courts as well as two AstroTurf soccer courts being built. To round off the entertainment section there also will be a go-kart track.
“I have taken on this project because I am passionate about history, children, community and food,” said Mathebe who also plans to honour the elderly by hosting them once a month. “We have to honour the elderly. They paid the dearest during the struggle,” she said.
The record is investigating more allegations.
Have the building plans been approved for the building of this structure?