Cape Town - The ANC in the Western Cape has expressed concern following the raid conducted by the SAPS Commercial Crimes Unit on the offices of Cape Town mayco members JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg.
The investigation focused on allegations of tender fraud, adding to the growing pattern of corruption accusations within the DA-led City of Cape Town and other municipalities in the province
The ANC has criticised the DA’s long-standing claim of “the best-governed city in the world,” pointing to recurring scandals as evidence of widespread mismanagement, corruption, and self-serving politics.
“The DA’s national and provincial leadership, including Helen Zille and John Steenhuisen, must take responsibility and provide clarity on how they plan to address these serious allegations,” the ANC said in a statement.
The party further noted that the DA’s lack of response undermines public trust and raises questions about its commitment to accountability.
In light of the ongoing investigation, the ANC has demanded the immediate suspension of Smith and Limberg.
According to the ANC, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis’s reported request for a briefing from the SAPS risks political interference and undermines the credibility of the investigation.
The ANC also called on the national Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure to ensure transparency in the case and to address potential links to broader corruption in the construction sector.
“The people of Cape Town deserve leadership that prioritises their needs, not the interests of a privileged few,” the ANC’s statement concluded.
As investigations continue, the ANC has vowed to monitor developments closely and hold the DA accountable to ensure that governance in the Western Cape reflects the principles of integrity and public service.
DA leader John Steenhuisen said the matter will be dealt with by his party with seriousness.
“At the moment, it remains speculation, but it is a matter I am certainly watching closely and it’s a matter the party will deal with incredibly seriously and diligently as it has always done in cases of this matter,” he said.
GOOD Party secretary-general Brett Herron said Hill-Lewis has to share with the public what the mayco members are being investigated for and when he became aware.
“Hill-Lewis must also explain whether Smith and Limberg will be suspended, as he did with (Malusi) Booi, and removed from their offices. If the investigation involves City matters or corruption, then they cannot be in office.”
National Coloured Congress councillor, Hanif Loonat, asked the Mayor not to interfere with the investigation and to stand back and let the process be undertaken.
Political analyst Professor Sethulego Matebesi said this was a difficult dynamic between Hill-Lewis and Smith.
“If an office has been raided because of an investigation, you can’t suspend anybody; but unless there is incriminating evidence, which brings the municipality into disrepute. Action will then have to be taken.”
Another political analyst, Tessa Dooms, said the mayor should put the city first.
“Even if you are the president of your party but you find yourself in the position where you are in government and you are less senior than someone in your party, your job is to follow the State guidelines for reporting lines and not the party lines. People must separate party and State when it comes to who they see as their seniors and who they report to and the State must always come first.”