The Public Protector has formally cleared Chris Pappas, South Africa’s first out gay mayor, of allegations of nepotism and corruption.
On New Year’s Eve, the Office of the Public Protector of South Africa (PPSA) released a report finalising 768 investigations conducted during the last quarter of the year.
Among the matters investigated were allegations made by former DA provincial leader Sizwe Mchunu against Democratic Alliance (DA) uMngeni Mayor Pappas. Mchunu claimed that Pappas failed to declare his relationship with his former fiancé, Jean-Pierre Prinsloo, who chairs uMngeni Tourism — an NGO that received R100,000 in funding from the uMngeni Council.
The PPSA concluded that “the investigation found no evidence of improper conduct”. It noted that uMngeni Tourism had received regular grant funding from the municipality “long before” Pappas became mayor in 2021.
Proper Processes Followed
The PPSA further highlighted that both Pappas and Prinsloo made the required declarations. It also confirmed that the funding was approved by Council through a formal resolution, with Pappas recusing himself from all deliberations and decision-making processes. This ensured “compliance with governance protocols”.
The allegations against Pappas were widely shared on social media in 2023 and led to the ANC Youth League organising a march in Howick. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded his resignation and arrest.
Speaking to SABC News, Pappas said: “I am now seeking legal advisement, both as the municipality and as an individual, for defamation against Mr Mchunu.”
A previous review by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs also found no wrongdoing in the matter.
A Historic Mayoral Tenure
Pappas became mayor of the uMngeni Municipality in KZN in 2021, making history as the country’s first openly gay mayor. He told MambaOnline at the time that he would never consider hiding his sexuality from voters.
“It is who I am. I can’t change that and would not want to,” he said.
In 2023, Time magazine recognised Pappas as one of the world’s 100 most promising emerging leaders.
