FORUM READY TO FIGHT EXTORTION CLAIMS

'We've never stopped any project. We just want them to meet with us'

- NICOLA DANIELS

THE Philippi Business Forum has distanced itself from the City's claims that it was responsible for derailing the MyCiTi construction project along Govan Mbeki Road in Philippi through extortion.

The City recently confirmed having secured an interim interdict against alleged extortionists after officials and the contractor's staff received death threats and were verbally intimidated.

The Philippi Business Forum and Crossroads Business Forum were cited as respondents in the application. The City said both failed to present their answering affidavits to the Western Cape High Court concerning why the order should not be made permanent.

"Self-proclaimed 'activists' within the Philippi Business Forum, Crossroads Business Forum and other affiliated entities had engaged in intimidation, threats, and blatant misinformation campaigns in their shameless efforts to dictate how and to whom employment opportunities are awarded.

"There are lawful and transparent processes available to local businesses and residents from the affected wards to apply for the available opportunities that form part of this construction project.