Zuma must table letters of reprimand in Parliament

22 April 2016

The DA calls on President Zuma to make public, as soon as possible, the letters of reprimand that were sent to several ministers involved in the Nkandla scandal today. We are also astounded that the Minister of Police, Nathi Nhleko, who drafted a white-wash report, which undermined the Public Protector, is not included in the list. We will be seeking an urgent explanation from the President as to why this has not happened.

Those letters - which have already been sent - need to be made public by tabling them in Parliament for the official record. This will allow South Africans to determine whether there was indeed a genuine and appropriate reprimand, for what amounted to unlawful conduct on behalf of the executive. 

We are equally sceptical at the decision taken by the President to establish an inter-ministerial committee to review the 2003 Cabinet Policy.

This should be done in Parliament, so that it can be transparent and open to public scrutiny. The secrecy which has dogged Jacob Zuma’s presidency needs to come to an end.

President Zuma’s violation of the Constitution of South Africa cannot just be brushed under the carpet, hidden from South Africa to avoid embarrassment or loss of support.

Our people’s money was stolen and we deserve to know that the Constitutional Court’s ruling has been fully and appropriately, in all instances, abided by. Parliament is constitutionally enjoined to satisfy itself in this regard.

Issued by Mabine Seabe, Spokesperson to the DA Leader, 22 April 2016