Nkandla: Zuma's delaying response undermines Public Protector and Parliament 

The DA condemns President Jacob Zuma's decision to delay the submission of his full response to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Max Sisulu. 

This effectively means that an elected head of state is openly playing games with the Parliament which elected him; as well as the country's Public Protector, who is constitutionally empowered to take remedial action against him.

Indeed, his decision to wait for the Special Investigating Unit investigation (SIU) to be finalised before reporting back to Parliament on what steps he will take - given the very clear recommendations set out in the Public Protector's report - is nothing more than a delaying tactic.

Why is it that President Zuma cannot tell Parliament, today, whether he will abide by the recommendation to repay money he owes for improperly benefiting for the ‘security upgrades' at his private home in Nkandla?

Why can the President not explain to the representatives who elected him whether he will take action against ministers in his cabinet who have been implicated in the report?

By saying that he will first await the SIU report, he is implying a lack of trust in the findings of a Chapter Nine institution. Does he expect the two reports to contradict each other? 

The truth is that President Zuma is running away from accountability. We won't let this happen without a fight.

We will continue to push on with our impeachment motion, and we will continue to seek legal advice on what steps can be taken to force the President to abide by these recommendations.

We will not give up until all those responsible - including the President - are held accountable.

Statement issued by Lindiwe Mazibuko MP, Parliamentary Leader of the Democratic Alliance, April 2 2014

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