MPUMALANGA – The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) has swiftly responded to what it termed as disinformation spread by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga.
This reaction follows a backlash from the DA regarding what seems to be a questionable rental agreement between the agency and the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM), currently in construction.
The party, in a media statement, asserted that it has uncovered details indicating that the developer and landowner of MIFPM would ultimately bear responsibility for rates and taxes on the property, along with obligations outlined in the service level agreement with the Mbombela local municipality.
The DA further expressed concerns after reviewing MEGA’s 3rd Quarter Report, highlighting parallels with the situation at the MEGA office block in Mbombela, where MEGA reportedly rents the office space at a considerable monthly cost. “The DA’s concern is that MIFPM will face a similar outcome to that of the MEGA office block in Mbombela, where MEGA currently rents the office space from a tender cartel for an exorbitant amount of R1 459 631, along with a facilities management fee of R193 553 per month,” the statement added.
In response, MEGA accused the DA of spreading falsehoods through the media. “It is imperative to address the disinformation disseminated by the DA through various unsuspecting media outlets,” stated a release by its CEO, Isaac Mahlangu.
Mahlangu also criticized the media for allegedly taking the DA’s side. ” MEGA is concerned that the media has failed to afford it the right of reply on the DA’s baseless allegations before publishing this sponsored misinformation,” the statement continued. ” As a matter of fact, the DA has not sought MEGA’s position or factual information regarding the issues they have been propagating in the media.”
Mahlangu clarified that MEGA currently serves as a project developer and land user. ” Construction of the IFPM was transferred to Department of Public Works Roads and Transport in November 2020, and any further commitments post-January 2021 cannot be attributed to MEGA,” he emphasized.
He further stated that the MEGA head office building was constructed by a developer using private sector funds. ” MEGA leases the building for an initial term, renewable with an option to purchase.
Any other claims beyond these facts are baseless.”
