In response to the questions raised at Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s inaugural council meeting, Councillor Ghaleb Cachalia has answered several key questions.
At the council meeting held on August 23, during the nomination of candidates for the position of executive mayor, questions were raised about Clr Cachalia’s residential address and whether or not he had any business ties to the City of Ekurhuleni.
The questions were raised by the Independent Ratepayers Association of SA (Irasa) and the African National Congress (ANC).
The NEWS previously reported, in its August 31 edition, that during the meeting Clr Izak Berg raised a question regarding the residential address of Clr Cachalia in Ekurhuleni.
Representatives from the ANC also raised questions about Clr Cachalia’s business interests in Ekurhuleni and whether he had cancelled business contracts with the government.
At the council meeting the newly elected Speaker Clr Patricia Khumalo said that it was not the time to be debating nominees.
In his response it was said by Mr Stuart Moir, Democratic Alliance researcher, that Clr Cachalia has a binding lease agreement for a property in Eastleigh, Edenvale.
“With regards to his business interests, Clr Cachalia will declare these interest as soon as his accountant has provided him with a full report,” said Mr Moir.
He said that Clr Cachalia has never done business with Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.