Label of corruption will stick - Greaver
2012-10-07 19:14
Johannesburg - The "label of corruption" will continue to stick to executive mayor of Polokwane, Freddy Greaver, despite a correction in City Press, he said in an article in the newspaper on Sunday.
"I believe that I will continue to suffer from the label of corruption that City Press has blessed me with," Greaver said.
"Their apology and my right to reply may never suffice to restore my name."
Greaver filed suit against City Press last year after the paper published a graphic depicting Greaver as part of a "Limpopo mafia"- a group of politicians and business people involved in awarding tenders to companies with links to expelled former ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema.
A settlement was reached in the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane on 3 October.
City Press agreed to pay R100 000 in damages and costs, publish an apology and give Greaver the right to reply.
Greaver said the settlement was not enough to clear his name as he had heard comments on local radio stations claiming that he was still corrupt or that he had "bought the case".
He added that City Press had no proof of his corruption.
Greaver said in the article that though he believed his reputation was permanently tarnished, he was not holding a grudge.
"I accept that people sometimes get things wrong because to err is human. I have forgiven both the journalists and the newspaper," Greaver said.
- SAPA
