ANC votes against Nkandla accountability
2 June 2015
Today is a great loss for executive accountability as the ANC majority in Parliament blocked the DA’s amendment that sought to include the report by the Public Protector entitled “Secure in Comfort” in the terms of reference of the Nkandla Ad Hoc Committee.
The amendment also sought to compel the Committee to summon at least the President of the Republic; the Public Protector; the Minister of Police; and the Minister of Public Works to appear before the Committee.
The DA has therefore voted against the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee as it is clear from its narrow terms of reference that this Committee, like its predecessors, will be nothing more than a smokescreen to shield the President from any and all responsibility.
The DA will engage in the parliamentary process to hold the President to account. Failing the ANC’s willingness to have meaningful engagement on this issue we will have no compunction in pursuing all available options to make sure that the President is not allowed to get away with the theft of public funds.