Cape Correspondent

CAPE TOWN The money of a developer of a polo field who bid R100 000 at an African National Congress (ANC) fund-raising event for two hours of Environment Minister Valli Moosa's time was returned to "not allow for even a suspicion of possible improper behaviour", Moosa said yesterday.

The money was returned by the ANC after there were "suggestions" that one of the bidders for Moosa's time, former Eidosinteractive CEO Charles Cornwall, could be involved with a development that "could be potentially controversial" near Plettenberg Bay, said Moosa.

Cornwall, who is the owner of Kurland Park at The Crags near Plettenberg Bay, put in the highest bid for two hours of the minister's time.

Cornwall, responding through his lawyer, Andy McPherson, said his attendance at the ANC fundraising event and the potential for litigation between Western Cape's government and the property company developing the polo field were "unrelated".

The development of the polo field has drawn the ire of Western Cape environmental affairs MEC Johan Gelderblom over whether the development had the necessary planning permission.

"When I heard there was a development which could be potentially controversial, and which needed provincial permission to proceed with certain aspects without getting the necessary permission, I told the ANC to give money back," said Moosa.

Nov 20 2003 07:40:07:000AM Chris van Gass Business Day 1st Edition