DA will use SONA to debate true state of the nation

15 February 2016

Despite repeated objections by the DA, last year the ANC bull-headedly pushed through the adoption of Police Minister Nathi Nhleko’s report on the security upgrades at President Zuma’s private home at Nkandla. 

However, during oral arguments in the Constitutional Court last week President Zuma’s Senior Counsel conceded that, ‘the Police Minister has in a sense shot his bolt in making findings’ and agreed that the Police Minister’s report could not be relied upon. 

The ANC Caucus are reportedly reeling after having protected the President over the Constitution and him now turning his back on them by telling them and the country that, as we always maintained, it was incorrect for Parliament to adopt Minister Nhleko’s report. 

In the Ad Hoc committee on Police Minister’s report on Nkandla, ANC MP, Mathole Motshekga did not hide his disdain for the Office of the Public Protector, saying that her findings are not binding or enforceable, and claiming that she misled the country and the whole world, tarnished Parliament’s image, the President’s and the country.

Motshekga and the ANC caucus trampled on the Constitution when they placed the protection of President Zuma ahead of their Constitutional duty to assist and protect the Office of the Public Protector.

The ANC Caucus should be ashamed and should use this week's State of the Nation Address debate to apologise to South Africa at large.

The DA will show South Africa what it truly means for Parliament to conduct oversight and hold the Executive to account, as we debate the President’s 2016 Address.

We will use this opportunity to debate the important issues South Africa is facing: 8,3 million jobless people, low economic growth, a higher education crisis, service delivery and crime. 

It is time that President Zuma accounted to the nation for his failures.

Statement issued by John Steenhuisen MP, Chief Whip of the Democratic Alliance, 15 February 2016