Chaos at Nkandla: DA calls on KZN Speaker for Debate on a Matter of Urgent Public Importance

6 July 2021

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has called on provincial Legislature Speaker, Nontembeko Boyce, (view here) to allow a debate on a Matter of Urgent Public Importance in terms of Rule 103.

The move follows recent events at former president Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla home following the order that he be incarcerated as a result of contempt of court and his subsequent stay of execution.

The DA is extremely concerned by the heightened tensions that exist within our province as a result of the ongoing Zuma saga. With the outcome still uncertain, there is a need for a clear plan.

The events that took place at Nkandla at the weekend have put our province on show around the world. And it’s not a good picture. It is also a picture that instils fear and concern for the people of KZN and which demands decisive leadership from the ANC-led provincial government.

Not only was there a clear violation of Covid-19 regulations outside Zuma’s homestead, there was also a complete disregard for the safety of those in attendance, with firearms charged indiscriminately.

Of equal concern is the issue of certain KZN ANC MPL’s who were witnessed in attendance at this illegal gathering. The DA will be reporting this matter to the KZN Legislature Ethics Committee given that it is a direct violation of their oath to uphold the rule of law. We will also be laying charges with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

It would seem that there are still two sets of rules – one for the people of KZN and another one for the ANC.

KZN has a shocking history of politically-motivated bloodshed. It is the duty of this ANC-led government to ensure that we do not go down this path again.

It is clear that what happened at Nkandla this past weekend cannot be allowed to happen again. The DA sincerely hopes that our urgent call to the Speaker will be prioritised and that it will be treated with the seriousness it deserves.

The people of KZN deserve to live in a province where the law is upheld and where their interests are placed first.

Issued by Francois Rodgers, Leader of the DA in the KZN Legislature, 6 July 2021